tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135947605143622575Tue, 06 Dec 2016 23:06:01 +0000Hal Lebovitz CollectionLaketranRaymond JurkowskiWilloughbyWillowickcrowdsourcingfarefinancial recovery planin the newsroomjournalismpublic transportationvideoCNNClevelandCleveland ClinicCleveland IndiansCommunity Media LabEastlakeFairport HarborJ. Terrell DillardLake County Board of MRDDLubrizolMentorTwitterbusinesseconomic downturnelectioneventsfirelayoffslighthousemaprecessionAlpine ValleyAppleAutism SpeaksBackTrack Inc.BlackberryBob GandeeBroadmoor preschoolCMAQCalifornia ImportsCamp Bow WowCatholic schoolsChris FassnachtChristmasCleveland nativeCongressConversational NarcissismCorrigan familyDennis PrittDroidE CITYEnglishErin Corrigan MartinEuclidExpositions Inc.FacebookFordGeauga CountyGeauga Humane SocietyGeauga Park DistrictGet ServedGladys Benitez-ReillyGoogleGov. Ted StricklandGreat Lakes MallHarvey High SchoolHighland HeightsHispanic populationHoustonI-X CenterJohn SteghJohnnycake JogJulie YoungKirtland attorneyLake CountyLake County General Health DistrictLake County Sheriff's DepartmentLake MetroparksLakeland Community CollegeLakelineLorraine FendeMLBMark SchneiderMatt StatonMichael SymonMiller Brewing Co.MullinaxMunson TownshipNBANFLNational Handwriting DayNew YorkOhioOhio Deptartment of Natural ResourcesOppenheimerPainesvillePaneraPerry Public LibraryPound 4 Pound ApparelPrudentialRescue VillageRobert PetersonRonald HearnsSpanishSpanish speaking immigrantsTed JanuszThomas “Hitman” HearnsTim GrendellTim MisnyTru-FabUnclaimed FundsUnited WayVGC IdolViva Spanish Language ProgramsWall StreetWest Side MarketWest WoodsWickliffeWildlife CenterWilloughby Area Chamber of CommerceWilloughby Hills Auto RepairWilloughby Public LibraryZolioadopt a soldierauto industryboxingbreaking newscommentsdecision 2010earthquakeethicsfareboxesfestivalflea marketinterviewsiphonejust for funlaketran board of trusteesnysncordinanceorganizationorganizingosama bin laden deathphotospolicereader submissionsrichard bondesafetysales taxski rescuesocial mediaspacespam emailspring cleaningstock marketstorifyunforgettable promveteransvolunteeringweatheryearbook photosReporters' Notebookhttp://behindthenews-herald.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (News-Herald Blogs)Blogger301125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135947605143622575.post-5957119718233199776Tue, 20 May 2014 17:49:00 +00002014-05-20T13:49:42.172-04:00Broadmoor preschoolNeuhoff Audia: Stumbling upon Broadmoor preschool picnic is enlightning experienceThe request from News-Herald Editor Tricia Ambrose was simple, take the senior shadows out in the community and shoot video.<br />Kyle Langdon of Mentor and Katie Lyden of Riverside, who are both graduating in a few days, joined me on an adventure all three of us were not expecting.<br />Our first stop was Veterans’ Park in downtown Painesville.<br />Our mission was to find people who would be willing to shoot a short video with us. Our question was simple, ‘What if your favorite festival?’”<br />Some people we approached were on their lunch breaks and simply didn’t have time to spare. One man told us, ‘No comment,’ which I thought was comical because the topic was so light-hearted. A handful were kind enough to work with us.<br />When we had enough videos, we headed over to Eleanor B. Garfield Park in Mentor to get more. Our goal was the same, find people and ask them to describe their favorite festival.<br />When we arrived at the park, our focus shifted from shooting videos to meeting and interviewing several people who were at the park attending the annual Broadmoor School preschool picnic.<br />Without realizing it, we had stepped into a great story. It was a perfect way for Langdon and Lyden to experience how a story unfolds from start to finish. <br />The first person we saw was my former colleague Bill Tilton. His 5-year-old daughter Lexi attends Broadmoor. He was kind enough to introduce us to the people from Broadmoor who were in charge of the picnic and Chardon High School health and physical education teacher Tim Armelli who had over 30 students from the school’s Actively Caring For People program there.<br />Broadmoor has been holding the picnic for xx years. According to Early Childhood Supervisor Linda DeRosa, it’s an event the students and parents look forward to every year. DeRosa spoke passionately when asked about the 72 students at the picnic, half of which are special needs students while the other half are typically developing.<br />In my new role as Community Engagement Editor, these are the types of stories I enjoy most. The ones that touch your heart and make you think twice. Stories that motivate, inspire and make you feel grateful for all you have.<br />After talking to preschool teacher Stephanie Ratino and DeRosa, I spoke to Joan Blackburn, a social worker at Chardon, Chardon senior Sara Jurgenc, a member of AC4P, and Armelli.<br />For the second year in a row, Chardon bused a group of students to the picnic to help entertain the preschoolers. Their assistance with the students enabled the parents to take a short break. Amber Meakin, who has two sons at Broadmoor, was one of the many parents who enjoyed the extra help which allowed her to talk to other parents about their experiences with special needs children. <br />“It’s just a very relaxing day,” she told me. “I know my two boys are super active and without the Chardon students here, there would not be any relaxing for me at all.”<br />When I talked to Blackburn, Jurgenc and Armelli, they spoke from the heart when they explained what it meant to help Meakin and other parents and students at the picnic. It was positive and enlightening — everything the deadly shooting at Chardon High School on Feb. 27, 2012 was not. <br />I was so impressed this group of administrators and students from Chardon were able to take something so negative and turn it into something so positive. I wondered where they got the strength to do that? I also wondered how it helped them with their healing process?<br />“It takes courage to step outside and do something different,” Blackburn said. “When you do something you normally wouldn’t do, it helps you develop skills you may have known you had.”<br />On May 20, I did something I normally don’t do.<br />I took two shadows out to shoot simple videos. <br />We returned to the paper with not only videos, but a meaningful story worth sharing.<br />It was an adventure Langdon, Lyden and myself were not expecting, but one we were grateful to find.<br /><br />- Theresa Neuhoff Audiahttp://behindthenews-herald.blogspot.com/2014/05/neuhoff-audia-stumbling-upon-broadmoor.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Theresa Neuhoff Audia)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135947605143622575.post-5652900338220138724Fri, 18 Apr 2014 21:03:00 +00002014-04-18T17:05:26.754-04:00organizationorganizingspring cleaningvideoHow to fold a fitted sheet — and other organization tipsThe first in The News-Herald's three-part series "Clean, Green Spring" took place April 15. Kim Croyle, who writes the blog <a href="http://getorganizedwithkim.blogspot.com/">Get Organized With Kim</a>, shared some tips on how to get your home organized as you embark on spring cleaning. <br /><br />First, a video: <a href="http://www.tout.com/m/qkuy4b">Learn how to fold a fitted sheet in 1 minute</a>:<br /><iframe frameborder="0" height="500" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/qkuy4b" width="635"></iframe><br /><br />Here are some of the tips Kim shared during her presentation:<br /><ul><li>If you're not wearing it or using it, get rid of it — no matter if you've never worn it or it's in good condition. Donate it to someone who will use it.</li><li>No one wants to be stuck inside the house cleaning when the weather is nice. Take advantage of the weather by tackling your outdoor projects.</li><li>Create a dumping ground for when you come in the house, but set a limit for it. Everyone needs a place to put whatever they have with them when they come in the house, but you cannot let it take over your space.</li><li>If it goes in the garage sale, it does not come back in the house. If it doesn't sell, donate it or throw it away.</li><li>Everything in your house should have a home. If you can't find a place for something, consider whether you really need it. If you do really need it, find a permanent place for it.</li><li>When you're organizing your space, find a method that works for you. If an organization scheme is not a part of you, it is not going to stick with you.&nbsp;</li></ul>http://behindthenews-herald.blogspot.com/2014/04/how-to-fold-fitted-sheet-and-other.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Cheryl Sadler)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135947605143622575.post-1157605373720146453Thu, 23 Jan 2014 18:38:00 +00002014-01-23T13:38:21.991-05:00National Handwriting DayTwitterTweets from #HandwritingDay #mHDay<div class="storify"><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="no" height="750" src="//storify.com/newsheraldinoh/national-handwriting-day/embed" width="100%"></iframe><script language="javascript" src="//storify.com/newsheraldinoh/national-handwriting-day.js" type="text/javascript"></script><noscript>[<a href="//storify.com/newsheraldinoh/national-handwriting-day" target="_blank">View the story "National Handwriting Day" on Storify</a>]</noscript></div>http://behindthenews-herald.blogspot.com/2014/01/tweets-from-handwritingday-mhday.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Cheryl Sadler)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135947605143622575.post-2737837747618416023Fri, 17 Jan 2014 18:37:00 +00002014-01-17T13:37:17.129-05:00in the newsroomjust for fun#Riccing with The News-HeraldWe're having some fun on Friday and <a href="http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/riccing">#Riccing</a> around the building. Share your <a href="http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/riccing">#Riccing</a> photos by tweeting them to <a href="http://twitter.com/newsheraldinoh">@newsheraldinoh</a>, and we'll add them to our collection. <br /><br /><div class="storify"><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="no" height="750" src="//storify.com/newsheraldinoh/riccing-at-the-news-herald/embed" width="100%"></iframe><script src="//storify.com/newsheraldinoh/riccing-at-the-news-herald.js"></script><noscript>[<a href="//storify.com/newsheraldinoh/riccing-at-the-news-herald" target="_blank">View the story "#Riccing at The News-Herald" on Storify</a>]</noscript></div>http://behindthenews-herald.blogspot.com/2014/01/riccing-with-news-herald.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Cheryl Sadler)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135947605143622575.post-7769091142101062998Wed, 08 Jan 2014 17:27:00 +00002014-01-08T12:27:12.834-05:00Conversational NarcissismMotormouths need to listenConversational narcissism.<div><br />There had to be a name for it. I knew it was far too common of a phenomenon not to have been marked as an issue and addressed.</div><div><br />Conversational narcissism is typified by an extreme self-focusing in a conversation, to the exclusion of appropriate concerns for the other, according to Communication Monographs, a quarterly peer-reviewed academic journal covering research on human communication.<br /><br />What prompted me to write this column is my unabashed incredulity when confronting a person guilty of self-yakkity-yak ad nauseum.&nbsp;</div><div><br />I never fail to be stymied when finding myself relegated to the status of an info repository rather than a contributing entity within a conversation (i.e. exchange of ideas — emphasis on “exchange”).</div><div><br />When constantly “talked over” or tossed a quick, disinterested “uh-huh” after adding a verbal tidbit or two — only to be followed by more yada ... yada ... yada by the relentless rambler, I figure he or she just doesn’t get it.</div><div><br />Thus, my intense interest and cause for research on the subject. Basically, it bugs me and it’s just not polite. <br />What makes these yo-gabba-gabbers think their thoughts, opinions and life events entitle them to a talkathon rather than extending the courtesy of a two-way street?&nbsp;</div><div><br />For goodness sake, it’s quite likely the other person has something interesting to interject. Wouldya believe it?</div><div><br />Thankfully, the Internet poured forth reams of insight on the subject that points to the fact that this is, indeed, an occurrence many deal with. Perhaps shedding some light on the topic will stir up some self-realization among the convo-hoggers — or not. One can only hope.</div><div><br />It’s my bet that those afflicted with verbal diarrhea won’t even recognize their awful ailment. But then again, it may spark a bit of soul searching and hopefully persuade these too often open-mouthed offenders to shut up and listen once in awhile.&nbsp;</div><div><br />So what is it? What’s in the mix of creating such a trait?</div><div><br />In his book “Pursuit of Attention” sociology professor Charles Derber writes “During a conversation, each person makes initiatives. These initiatives can either be attention-giving or attention-getting. Conversational narcissists concentrate more on the latter because they are focused on gratifying their own needs …<br />“A good conversation is an interesting thing … It’s like a song where the rhythm is paramount, and each person in the group must contribute to keeping that rhythm going. One person who keeps on playing a sour note can throw the whole thing off.”</div><div><br />With that, I offer you some do’s and don’ts ­­from <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_10062722_deal-someone-always-talks-themselves.html">“How to Deal With Someone Who Always Talks About Themselves” by eHow contributor Baptist Johnson:</a></div><div><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">DO understand the meaning of the term narcissist. Narcissistic does not necessarily mean selfish or arrogant. A narcissist simply views the world and others in relation to himself. Everything is measured by the standard “How does this affect me?” Because of this, narcissists spend a lot of time talking about themselves.<br />DO change the conversation to neutral topics. This can be difficult because a narcissist will always try to find a way to steer the conversation back to himself. Make it obvious that your interest lies in a generic topic, like the weather. A narcissist will likely discuss the weather, even if only to attempt to impress you.<br />DO introduce topics of interest in the form of open-ended questions. For instance, don’t ask did you see the game last night? Instead, ask something along the lines of “What do you think of basketball? I heard the game last night was amazing.” This method of questioning gives the narcissist the chance to talk about his views on basketball, while you get to insert your own comments as well.<br />DO avoid the narcissistic person if all else fails. Keep in mind that, more likely than not, you will not change the narcissist in your life. His perception of everything is personal because he can’t detach himself from his surroundings. He perceives a dissenting opinion as a personal attack. He may even view therapy or counseling as bullying and disapproval.<br />DON’T take offensive comments personally. More likely than not, the narcissist did not intent to insult you. Again, a narcissistic person is unable to put herself in others’ shoes. Her comments are meant to boost her own self-worth, not hurt feelings.<br />DON’T try to argue or reason with a narcissist. Explaining to a narcissist that she is a narcissist is a lost cause. To understand the basis of your argument, she must see herself from your point of view, which is an impossible task for a narcissist.<br />DON’T allow a narcissistic person to go on long rants about herself. She may interpret silence from you as genuine interest. In the mind of a narcissist, why wouldn’t you want to hear about her day at the mall?</blockquote></div><div><br />Bonchak is a Staff Writer for The News-Herald.<br />JBonchak@News-Herald.com</div>http://behindthenews-herald.blogspot.com/2014/01/motormouths-need-to-listen.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jean Bonchak)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135947605143622575.post-9039326449854600347Tue, 22 Oct 2013 15:26:00 +00002013-10-22T11:26:09.123-04:00PainesvillePainesville City Council Meeting - Oct. 21, 2013<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="341" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/77503915" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/77503915">City Council Meeting - October 21, 2013</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/cityofpainesville">David Whittaker</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.http://behindthenews-herald.blogspot.com/2013/10/painesville-city-council-meeting-oct-21.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (News-Herald Blogs)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135947605143622575.post-6778940039224187353Mon, 14 Oct 2013 16:35:00 +00002013-10-14T12:37:16.796-04:00Mentor construction projects wrapping upA rash of vehicle break-ins, the status of several construction projects and a civil service test for the fire department — those items and more in the latest weekly Mentor city manager report to City Council:<br /><br />Police Department<br />• On Oct. 9, three vehicles had their windows broken in the parking lot of the Mentor Ice Arena; nothing was stolen. Two vehicles’ windows were broken at Melt Restaurant; purses were stolen from each vehicle. One vehicle’s window was broken at TGI Fridays; nothing was stolen.<br /><br />• Another incident involving a male and female team approaching an elderly resident on Bellflower asking about completing tree trimming services. The female suspect tried to lure the resident to the backyard, but was unsuccessful. The male suspect remained in the vehicle. The suspects left after the victim told them her son was coming home soon. The suspect vehicle was a grey or cream colored SUV. This matches the suspect vehicle description from the previous burglaries involving a male and female team.<br /><br />Engineering<br />• SR 306 Resurfacing (SR 84 to Kirtland Road) — Currently the project is approximately 40 percent complete. Placement of the asphalt surface course could be performed this week and may require daytime lane closures. Work remaining includes casting adjustments, curb work, loop detectors, guardrail and the asphalt surface course. The project remains on schedule for the Oct. 31 completion date.<br /><br />• SR 306 Concrete Repairs (Bellflower to Adkins) — Work continues in the southbound curb lane. Currently the concrete work is over 35 percent complete. Once the southbound curb lane work is complete, work will continue in the second southbound lane. No work is scheduled for the northbound lanes. Traffic restrictions for northbound and southbound vehicles will continue throughout the project.<br /><br />• Hoose Road Resurfacing and Culvert Replacement — Work is scheduled to begin this week. The contractor will first grind the asphalt surface to the required depth and then will perform full depth repair work at locations to be determined. Culvert work will occur while the remainder of the roadway is being resurfaced. Traffic will be maintained; however, delays are expected. Further updates will be provided as the project progresses.<br /><br />• Beechwood Drive Storm Sewer — The storm sewer on the east side of the road has been installed. The contractor is working on road crossings for inlet basins on the west side of the road.<br /><br />• The Munson Road Resurfacing Project — This is proceeding as scheduled. The Shelly Company is currently working on adjusting castings to grade, updating curb ramps to ADA standards and installing traffic loop detectors. The asphalt surface course is scheduled to be installed on Monday, Oct. 21, and Tuesday, Oct. 22. The project has a completion date of Oct. 26.<br /><br />• Sanitary Backup Reduction Grant Program Update: 114 applications have been received to date; 81 applications have been reviewed; 53 applications have been approved; 22 applications are on hold until sufficient information from applicants is provided and 24 applicants have completed the work and have been approved for reimbursement.<br /><br />Fire Department<br />• On Oct. 9 at 8:20 a.m., Squad 1142 was called to mutual-aid to assist Willoughby Fire with a motor vehicle accident on State Route 2 westbound. Mentor Paramedics treated and transported a male patient from the accident. <br /><br />• On Oct. 9 at 10:27 p.m., the fire department responded to a rescue call where a male fell down the basement steps of a residence. He was treated and airlifted to Metro General Hospital. <br /><br />• On Oct. 10 at 2:37 p.m., Mentor Fire was called to a business on Center Street to perform an elevated rescue of a person stuck in the bucket of a service truck approximately 30 ft. in the air. The worker was servicing exterior lights when the hydraulic controls failed on the truck.<br /><br />• Oct. 6-12 is Fire Prevention week with this year’s safety message of “Prevent Kitchen Fires.” The department participated in several public educational visits over the past week to promote fire safety. The visits included a safety day at Home Depot and Kmart, as well as, several visits to schools and daycares where safety flyers were distributed to children to take home to their families. <br /><br />• The Civil Service Commission is accepting applications through 4 p.m., Thursday for Career Firefighter/Paramedic for the upcoming candidate testing scheduled for Oct. 23.<br /><br />Economic and Community Development<br />• Tom Thielman and Terry Botirus conducted an SBA 504 Loan closing with Parker Precision, Inc. on a $1.2 million equipment loan. <br /><br />• The City, in cooperation with Lake1Stop, the Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce and Laketran, sponsored a holiday job fair on Wednesday; 30 employers and approximately 170 job-seekers attended.<br /><br />-- Betsy Scott, BScott@News-Herald.com, @ReporterBetsyhttp://behindthenews-herald.blogspot.com/2013/10/many-mentor-construction-projects.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (News-Herald Blogs)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135947605143622575.post-7486911633868124922Mon, 07 Oct 2013 19:00:00 +00002013-10-07T15:00:26.053-04:00Mentor may feel shutdown falloutSome local impacts of the federal government shutdown are being felt in Mentor, firefighters are thinking pink, and the city is helping find a possible use for the dreaded phragmites - those items and more in the weekly Mentor city manager report to City Council:<br /><br />Manager Comments<br />• Final preparations are being made for the Lake Health Northern Ohio Marathon scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 13. A majority of the race will be run through Mentor and currently about 900 people are signed up. Due to the current federal government shutdown, a marathon scheduled for the same day along the Cleveland towpath may not take place. Because this is used by many in the area as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon, it is possible our event could see a huge influx of participants at the last minute. <br /><br />• The recent Federal Government shutdown has resulted in all SBA loan programs being put on hold. Limited loan servicing actions are still being processed, but no new loan approvals or closings. In all other respects, no city services to this point have been impacted.<br /><br />Fire Department<br />• Firefighters approached the administration for approval to wear pink T-shirts in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. After receiving approval, the firefighters’ union purchased T-shirts and members will be wearing them while on-duty during the month of October.<br /><br />• On Sept. 28 at 9:27 a.m., the fire department was called to a car vs. utility pole and trees on Broadmoor Road. The driver refused treatment. The pole snapped nearly-in-half and fire crews remained on scene to secure the area until CEI crews were able to secure the power. <br /><br />• On Sept. 28 at 3:25 p.m., the fire department was called to a car vs. motorcycle accident. One patient was extricated from underneath the car and the other motorcycle passenger was found injured sitting on the curb. Both were treated and transported to the hospital in stable condition. <br /><br />• On Sept. 29 at 9:21 a.m., the fire department was called for smoke in a restaurant. Fire crews arrived to find a haze of smoke in the building due to a problem with a rooftop HVCA unit. The unit was shutdown and the building was ventilated. There were no injuries or loss of business. The unit was repaired. <br /><br />• On Sept. 29 at 8:01 p.m., the fire department was called for a cooking fire at a house. Crews arrived to find the fire contained to the stove and there was no fire extension to the house. <br /><br />• On Oct. 2 at 5:18 a.m., Mentor Fire Department responded to MABAS Box 2112 for an apartment in Painesville. The fire was quickly brought under control. There were no injuries.<br /><br />Police Department<br />• On Sept. 30, at 3:50 p.m., officers responded to a burglary report on Forest Lane. The 81-year-old resident was approached by a female claiming to be from a tree service. While she went outside with the resident, a male accomplice entered the home and stole numerous valuables. On Oct. 1, at 5:20 p.m., officers responded to a home on Broadmoor Road near Johnnycake Ridge Road for a burglary involving another elderly victim. The description of events, suspect vehicle, and suspects are similar to the burglary on Forest Lane. Both cases are under investigation by the Detective Bureau.<br /><br />• On Sept. 30, at 9:45 p.m., officers responded to a reported robbery at Discount Tobacco, 7359 Lakeshore Blvd. A male made his way into the stock room as an employee was counting money just before store closing. He demanded the money she was counting, as well as money from the safe. No one was injured and the case is being investigated.<br /><br />Parks<br />• The city of Mentor has, once again, worked with the Kalahari Resort for a special group getaway rate, which includes overnight accommodations and four admissions to America’s largest water park. The special City rate is 40 percent off the regular rate. For more information or to make reservations, call the Kalahari Resort at 877-525-2427 and request the “City of Mentor Group Rate.”<br /><br />• Letters have been sent to service groups, organizations and church groups looking for volunteers for the “Teens In Action” program to help the elderly with fall clean-up. If you know of a group looking for service hours, please have them contact Recreation Superintendent Paul Hegreness at 440-974-5720.<br /><br />Engineering<br />• The Heisley Road Bridge over SR 2 has reopened to traffic ahead of the October 15th completion date. Remaining work under the bridge, restoration work and punch list items are scheduled to be completed by the completion date. Temporary lane closures may be necessary to complete this work; however, traffic will be maintained for the remainder of the project. <br /><br />• The City has been advised that daytime construction operations will be necessary Tuesday and Wednesday for roadway reconstruction and adjustment of utility castings. During this period lane closures are expected between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Traffic will be maintained by the use of flaggers. It is recommended that traffic avoid the intersection of SR 306 and SR 84 whenever possible during this work. <br /><br />• Shown below is a summary of Building Division activity comparing July 2013 with August 2013:<br />Prior Month Month of<br /> July 2013 August 2013<br />New Permits Issued 393 459<br />Valued at $12,874,453 $15,421,148<br /><br />Building Permit Inspections 733 910<br />New Plan Review Cases 73 82<br />Engr./Bldg. Permit Plan Reviews 297 330<br />New Contractor Registrations 66 68<br /><br />Finance<br />• Income tax collections for the month of September were down $36,000 when compared to September of last year. The current total year collections through September as compared to last year are up 2.3%.<br /><br />Public Works Department<br />• Chipped Phragmites for the Natural History Museum compost experiment<br />• Jail renovations - complete<br />• Repaired gutters at Senior Center<br />• Removed dead trees at Civic Center Park<br />• Crack sealing - Acacia<br />• Full depth asphalt repairs - Hopkins @ Hendricks<br />• Tree trimming on Corduroy for signage visibility<br />• Harrison/Collins drainage project - underway<br />• Storm sewer cleaning - Lakeview, Elm, Brookside, Beechwood<br />• Storm sewer televising - various streets in Ward 1<br />• Re-profiling roadside ditch on Hendricks near Heisley<br /><br />-- Betsy Scott, BScott@News-Herald.com, @ReporterBetsyhttp://behindthenews-herald.blogspot.com/2013/10/mentor-may-feel-shutdown-fallout.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (News-Herald Blogs)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135947605143622575.post-8430807691512897599Mon, 23 Sep 2013 20:27:00 +00002013-09-23T16:27:10.445-04:00Mentor PD gets grant to expand patrolsMentor police get a big grant for traffic enforcement, took part in a heroin sting, and more people are getting help for water woes — those items and more in the latest weekly city manager report to City Council.<br /><br />Manager Comments<br />• The police department has been awarded a $50,819.04 High Visibility Enforcement Overtime Grant for 2014. Money from this grant allows for increased patrols during select state enforcement campaigns, such as “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” It also allows for increased patrols during certain holidays and at times identified by the department. <br /><br />• Sanitary Sewer Backup Reduction Grant Program – As of Sept. 19, 101 applications have been received; 23 of these applications have been approved, and 9 residences have completed the work to date and are requesting reimbursement from the city.<br /><br />Police Department<br />• On Wednesday morning members of the police department participated in a round-up of people involved in a suspected heroin ring. Heroin dealers and users from Cuyahoga, Lake and Ashtabula counties were involved in the ring, which was investigated by members of the Cuyahoga County Drug Task Force.&nbsp; Arrest warrants were served on over 90 suspects, including several in Mentor and the Lake County area.&nbsp; All arrested suspects were transported to Cuyahoga County for processing.<br /><br />• The police department investigated a complaint regarding a threatening statement directed toward students of Mentor High School, which was posted on Facebook. A 17-year-old male was identified as posting the statement and was arrested for inducing panic.<br /><br />&nbsp;Fire Department<br />• On Sept. 16, the Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Arrowood Drive. The fire department arrived at 2:45 p.m. and the fire was under control at 2:53. The fire originated in the kitchen and a single occupant escaped through the upstairs window with no injuries. The fire department rescued two cats and a hamster, with a third cat escaping. Loss is estimated at $40,000.<br /><br />• On Sept.17, the Fire Department responded to a motorcycle vs. car accident. The car pulled out in front of the motorcycle. The patient was treated for non-life threatening injuries and transported to Hillcrest Hospital to the Level II Trauma Center for additional treatment. <br /><br />Engineering<br />• Newell Creek Phase 9 is currently under review by the Engineering Dept. Newell Creek Phase 9 is a consolidation of the remaining phases 9, 10, &amp; 11. The plans call for the development of 45 single-family sub lots on 11.70 acres. It is located west of Parker Place Retirement Residence and Mentor Senior Living Facility and east of Newell Creek Dr. Sub lots in Phase 9 will have lot dimensions of 60-feet wide by 130- to 140-feet deep. Upon Council approval for this phase of Newell Creek, a permit will be issued to the developer for construction. It is the developer’s intention to try to have this phase paved this year if possible.<br /><br />• The Beechwood Drive Storm Sewer Improvement from Elm Street to Evergreen Drive began this week. The contractor anticipates the work will take approximately one month to complete. Scheduled completion date is Oct. 18.<br /><br />• A preconstruction meeting was held Sept. 19 for the Munson Road Resurfacing Project. The project will provide pavement repairs and an asphalt overlay on Munson Road from Center Street to Andrews Road. The Shelly Company is the contractor on the project and they expect to begin construction on or about Wednesday. The completion date for the project is Oct. 26. During construction, the contractor will be responsible for maintaining two-way traffic with flagging operations. Access to all nearby properties and adjoining streets will be provided.<br /><br />• Sidewalk Replacement and Pedestrian Safety Program – The Engineering Dept. is in the process of completing the notification to residents in Zone 3B of the 2013 Sidewalk Repair and Pedestrian Safety Program for deficiencies that need to be fixed.&nbsp; The Engineering Dept. will be re-inspecting Zone 3B towards the end of October and beginning of November to determine compliance.<br /><br />• Brian Ashurst, Assistant City Engineer, attended the Board of Trustees meeting for the Chagrin River Watershed Partners on Sept. 17. Items discussed included storm water restoration projects throughout the Chagrin River watershed, including the proposed infiltration improvements at the Great Lakes Mall. They also indicated that member dues will increase by 1% starting in 2014. Mentor currently pays $4,369.86/year. This will increase to $4,414.00/year in 2014.<br /><br />Parks<br />• The Black Brook Golf Course greens drainage project is moving along with 13 greens completed.<br /><br />• The SRTS Coordinator is busy restructuring the walking program at Sterling Morton. Children will be doing bi-weekly walks. They will receive a token for their chains they receive on International Walk to School Day.<br /><br />• This weekend is the Ohio Flames Girls “Ignite the Ice Hockey Tournament.” Thirty teams expected.<br /><br />Economic and Community Development<br />• The 2013 edition of the Harris Ohio Industrial Directory reported that the City had added six manufacturing firms, but lost 90 manufacturing jobs in the approximately six- month interim between reports. The five-year data indicated a 12 percent increase in manufacturing employment, but a 3 percent decrease in the number of firms.<br /><br />Public Works Department<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Inlet basin rebuilds - Cherrystone, Sandtree<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sign upgrades ongoing - replaced 525 signs since 2012<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Repaired inlet basin and re-poured apron on Sweet Hollow<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Transferred cable and conduit from damaged pole on Mentor Ave.<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Storm sewer cleaning - Ohio St. and surrounding area<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lowered inlet and graded swale on Fairlawn<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Planting areas disturbed from Cityfest electrical work<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Crack sealing - Hopkins from Rosewood to Lakeshore<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Upgrading entrance to the Lagoons at Headlands Road<br /><br />-- Betsy Scott, BScott@News-Herald.com, @ReporterBetsyhttp://behindthenews-herald.blogspot.com/2013/09/mentor-pd-gets-grant-to-expand-patrols.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (News-Herald Blogs)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135947605143622575.post-5362882480125486629Mon, 26 Aug 2013 21:19:00 +00002013-08-26T17:19:07.580-04:00Mentor just saying no to NOPEC<br /><br />No more NOPEC, high-tech storm equipment at the city golf course and a problem at the Mentor Lagoons - those items and more from the most recent weekly city manager reports to City Council:<br /><br />Manager Comments<br />• Notices recently were sent to the Illuminating Company informing them that the city is choosing to opt out of the discounted NOPEC electric utility rates for city-owned facilities. We will be soliciting competitive prices for electricity during the next several weeks. The wholesale market is currently 10-20 percent less than NOPEC.<br /><br />• On Aug. 22, at about 3:50 a.m., officers responded to the Mentor Lagoons for a report of a male trespassing on a boat. During the course of the investigation one 17-year-old male was arrested for breaking and entering, theft, and other charges. He and two more unidentified people stole property including three golf carts, fishing gear and alcohol from at least 15 victims. The male arrested is from West Virginia and is staying in the area with his grandmother.&nbsp; The investigation is ongoing.<br /><br />• The City collected $204,000 in TIF revenues as part of the second half real estate settlement distributed by the Lake County Treasurer. The TIF balance is now approximately $1,617,000. The City has budgeted $1 million of TIF funds for costs associated with the Plaza Blvd. Extension project.<br /><br />• The Lightning Prediction Warning System was installed on Monday at Black Brook Golf Course. The system is activated when sensing storm-induced electrical activity in the immediate area and sounds a siren warning throughout the golf course.<br /><br />Fire Department<br />• On Aug.16 at 5:51 p.m., fire personnel were dispatched to a vehicle that was “T-boned” on the passenger side and flipped onto the driver’s side. The patient denied injuries/pain and refused treatment/transport.<br /><br />• On Aug. 17 at 11:43 a.m., fire personnel were dispatched to a motorcycle accident; there was minor damage to the motorcycle. The patient was treated and transported in stable condition.<br /><br />• On Aug. 17 at 6:01 p.m., Mentor Fire was dispatched on a mutual aid to Mentor-on-the-Lake for an EMS call where the patient was treated and transported. <br /><br />• On Aug. 21 at 1:48 p.m., fire crews were dispatched to the new Sheetz on Lakeshore Blvd. for a gas leak when a worker severed a gas service line.&nbsp; Gas was shut down and Dominion East Ohio was called out. There were no injuries.<br /><br />Police Department<br />• On Saturday, a male confronted a female sitting in her car in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn on Reynolds Rd. The male forced the female out of her car and attempted to steal the vehicle. As a witness ran towards the suspect, he grabbed the female’s purse and fled on foot towards Studio 6. Officers interviewed numerous guests at Studio 6, eventually developing a suspect who was renting a room there. A search warrant was obtained and executed. The stolen purse and other stolen property were located. The male was arrested and charged with Robbery and Theft.<br /><br />• A vehicle was stolen from Plains Rd. in the early morning hours on Saturday. The vehicle was left unlocked with a spare set of keys in the center console. The vehicle was recovered on Monday morning in Willoughby. Two males are associated with stealing the vehicle. One suspect was arrested by Willoughby PD for stealing property from vehicles in their city. The other male fled the scene, but has been identified. The case is currently being investigated. <br /><br />• On Aug. 21, officers responded to Blackbrook Golf Course for a criminal mischief complaint. During the Aug. 20-21, overnight hours someone took golf balls, two lawn chairs, and four flags and made a creative design on the 13th hole. There was no damage to the property or material.<br /><br />Finance<br />• The city will be reviewing proposals for banking services over the next few weeks. Eligible depository banks were sent invitations to submit proposals last week.<br /><br />Engineering<br />• With the exception of the school flashers at Shore Middle School, all improvements for the Safe Routes to School project have been completed.&nbsp; The school flashers at Shore Middle School will be inoperable through Aug. 30 while the contractor places mast arm poles and rewires the school zone.&nbsp; In the interim, the Public Works Department has placed temporary School Speed Limit signs stating the hours of the active school zone. In addition, the police department is monitoring the zone for speed violations.<br /><br />• Davis Diggers is scheduled to begin the Beechwood Drive Storm Sewer Improvement at the end of August. The completion date for the project is Oct. 18.<br /><br />• As of this date, the city has received 28 Sanitary Sewer Backup Reduction Grant Applications. The Engineering Department has processed and approved six applications to date and will continue to process applications as they are received.<br /><br />• Shown below is a summary of Building Division Activity comparing June, 2013 with July, 2013:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Prior Month&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Month of<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; June 2013&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; July 2013<br />New Permits Issued &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 389&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 393<br />Valued at&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $8,392,947&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $12,874,453<br /><br />Building Permit Inspections&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 836&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 733<br />New Plan Review Cases &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 82&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 73<br />Engr/Bldg Permit Plan Reviews&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 287&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 297<br />New Contractor Registrations&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 87&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 66<br /><br />We have recently issued the following major building permits, each over $300,000 in value. These permits include:<br />• Window replacement at Ridge Middle School, 7671 Johnnycake Ridge Road - $324,000;<br />• An addition at St. John Vianney Church, 7575 Bellflower Road - $300,000<br />• A remodel at Mentor High School, 6655 Center St.- $325,000<br />• Roof replacement at Great Lakes Mall, 7850 Mentor Ave. - $1,362,000<br />• A new automobile dealership, Audi, at 8599 Market St. -$4,000,000<br /><br />&nbsp;Public Works Department<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cityfest prep<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jail renovations - ongoing<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Storm debris removal from residences<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Inlet basin rebuild - Rutland<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Testing wireless modems for traffic signal communication<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fabricating signs for Cityfest<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Set out variable message boards to advise motorists of Hart St RR closure<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 11 code enforcement abatements<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Removed sediment from ditch running from south end of Carter to Two Town Ditch<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Removed more sediment from Sutherland detention area<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Televised storm sewers from Bryson to Dunbar and Rosemary, Dorrwood and Concord<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Removed overgrowth from Horvitz Channel<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Replaced 100’ of 15” storm sewer on East Valley View<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Removed sediment from ditch between S. Dartmoor and SR 30<br /><br />-- Betsy Scott, BScott@News-Herald.com, @ReporterBetsyhttp://behindthenews-herald.blogspot.com/2013/08/mentor-just-saying-no-to-nopec.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (News-Herald Blogs)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135947605143622575.post-1903351101974349052Thu, 15 Aug 2013 22:57:00 +00002013-08-15T18:57:00.045-04:00Fairport HarborfestivallighthouseLighthouse Art Festival in Fairport HarborCheck out details on the Lighthouse Art Festival, which is Saturday afternoon at the Fairport Harbor Lighthouse Lawn: <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H5x4lVlmrsg/Ug0j1KLmLkI/AAAAAAAABDw/ol0inFcgr9c/s1600/Lighthouse-Art-Festival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H5x4lVlmrsg/Ug0j1KLmLkI/AAAAAAAABDw/ol0inFcgr9c/s400/Lighthouse-Art-Festival.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><br />And remember to share your festival photos with us in our album:<br /><br /><div id="olapic_widget"></div><script src="https://widgets.olapic.com/render?element_id=olapic_widget&amp;customer_id=215635&amp;widget_type=full&amp;gallery=1007231385" type="text/javascript"></script>http://behindthenews-herald.blogspot.com/2013/08/lighthouse-art-festival-in-fairport.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Cheryl Sadler, MLIS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135947605143622575.post-2418539771508313543Thu, 15 Aug 2013 18:33:00 +00002013-08-15T14:33:10.926-04:00Pool attendance sinks in Mentor this summerThe relatively rainy, cool summer means less pool revenue, Mentor’s grant program for sewer backup victims is attracting attention, and both bids for a long-awaited traffic-relief project came in high. Those items and more are in the latest weekly city manager report to City Council:<br /><br />Highlights<br />• As of July 19, we had 51,483 swimmers at the three pools, which compares to the five-year average of 52,854, but we have had many cool and wet days. Pool attendance and aquatic revenue will be down this year.<br /><br />• Information and application material for the Private Property Sanitary Sewer Backup Reduction Grant Program has been posted on the front page of the city’s website. The Engineering &amp; Building Department has received about 70 inquiries regarding the Backflow Preventer Program. The grant program, totaling $1 million, was begun after flooding problems followed the July 20 storm event.<br /><br />• The bid opening for the Plaza Boulevard Extension Project took place at noon on Friday, Aug. 9. We received two very competitive bids coming in at approximately $2,500,000. Both bids will be reviewed for completeness and accuracy. The Engineer’s estimate for the project was $2,300,000. <br /><br />Manager Comments<br />• The Center Street widening work at Classic Chevy continues. Concrete work is nearing completion with asphalt paving and restriping expected over the next 2 weeks. Lighting work under the SR 2 Bridge at Center Street will be completed upon delivery of the lighting equipment.<br /><br />Fire Department<br />• On Aug. 5 at 4 a.m., Deputy Chief Searles, Mentor Hazardous Team Members, Air 1 and Truck 1159 were dispatched to Eastlake for a fire involving hazardous materials. The situation was mitigated and there were no injuries.<br /><br />• On Aug. 7 at 8:28 a.m., crews responded to an odor investigation on Lancaster. Crews found a distinct odor in the neighborhood, but after a thorough investigation of the area, storm drains and the creek, nothing was found. Continuing their investigation, fire crews determined the odor most likely stemmed from a business where a new product was reportedly being used. There were no harmful findings.<br /><br />• On Aug. 7 at 1:38 p.m., AIR-1 was dispatched to Willowick for a house fire and provided rehab to fire ground personnel and filled SCBA bottles as needed.<br /><br />• Past part-time Firefighter Mark Nerone passed away on Aug. 1. Mark worked for the Mentor Fire Department for almost 10 years and resigned in 1984 to work for Wickliffe Fire, where he retired as a fire lieutenant. <br /><br />Police Department<br />• On Aug. 4, 25 counterfeit $20 bills were passed in one transaction at Super Kmart. Then, on Aug. 5 another case of 25 counterfeit $20 bills being passed was reported; this time, at Macy’s. Both cases have been forwarded to the Detective Bureau for follow-up investigation.<br /><br />Engineering<br />• Safe Routes to School – Bike racks have been installed at Shore Middle School, Orchard Hollow Elementary and Sterling Morton Elementary. School flasher work is anticipated to occur within the next two weeks.<br /><br />Parks and Recreation Department<br />• Black Brook Golf Course was voted “Best of the Best” in the Golf Course Shopping and Service Category Readers Choice Awards for the News-Herald. <br /><br />• On Aug. 4, Civic Center Pool hosted the final day of the Suburban Swim League Championships. This was the largest meet in Ohio with more than 1,142 swimmers and 4,000 people attending. Mentor came in first with 1,496 points; Highland Heights came in second with 1,217.<br /><br />Economic and Community Development<br />• The Mentor Economic Assistance Corporation closed two SBA 504 loans this week for a total of $1,015,000 in financing. The Mentor-based operator of Dunkin Donuts constructed a new store in Lakewood, Ohio for a total cost of $1,232,000 and MEACO, through its relationship with Citizens Bank, provided equipment financing totaling $1,238,066 to a growing manufacturing company in Northeast Ohio. The SBA 504 loan program provides long-term financing for up to 40 percent of a project’s total fixed asset costs.<br /><br />-- Betsy Scott, BScott@News-Herald.com, @ReporterBetsyhttp://behindthenews-herald.blogspot.com/2013/08/pool-attendance-sinks-in-mentor-this.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (News-Herald Blogs)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135947605143622575.post-7731013914224053769Tue, 30 Jul 2013 19:23:00 +00002013-07-30T15:23:34.697-04:00Flood calls consume Mentor staff timeLast week, the majority of the city of Mentor’s staff spent time dealing with flood-related problems. Almost every department had to get into the act, according to the latest weekly city manager memo to City Council:<br /><br />Manager Comments<br />• Severe storms Saturday morning led to significant flooding in Mentor and throughout Lake County.&nbsp; Up to 6 inches of rain fell in much of Mentor within a 4-5 hour period. Several roads were impassable, including portions of Center Street, Bellflower, Tyler, Rt. 306, and Heisley. All roads were reopened by 4 p.m.<br /><br />Police responded to 73 flood-related service calls, while fire responded to 49. The fire and building departments assisted in securing or disconnecting electrical and gas service in some homes, and the fire department assisted in pumping out four basements.&nbsp; <br /><br />No significant infrastructure damage was recorded. Approximately 500 residents reported incidents of flooding, with the large majority being sanitary sewer backups. Nearly all city departments have been involved with storm recovery efforts throughout the week. Emphasis has been on communicating with those with special needs and directing them to resources for help, damage assessment, and clean up. <br /><br />Public Works crews have been active in removing storm-damaged refuse from the curbside through the week and into the evenings and will continue through Saturday. We have been and remain in close contact with the Lake County EMA — who will apply for disaster relief assistance to the state — the Red Cross, the General Health District, and other relevant Lake County agencies. <br /><br />Storm damage assessment and system performance review within the city is ongoing and reporting will follow. Mentor is providing assistance to the city of Willowick as requested. I encourage all of Council to continue to forward any special needs to the administration, if needed.<br /><br />Fire Department<br />• On July 20 at 9:32 a.m. the technical rescue team provided temporary shoring to stabilize a resident’s home after their basement wall caved in from the heavy rains.<br /><br />Police Department<br />• Members of the police department assisted the community during the severe flooding on Saturday morning. Several roads were flooded and closed to traffic. Officers were called in early, beginning at 3 a.m., while others were held over to provide proper police coverage for the city. The police responded to 73 calls for service related to the storm in addition to regular calls for service. All roads were reopened by 4 p.m. <br /><br />Engineering<br />• Engineering staff has been working with residents, CT Consultants and the Lake Co. Dept. of Utilities to gather information pertaining to the severe rain event experienced July 20. Approximately 4-6” of rain fell on the City in 4 hours causing flooding of roadways, properties and basements. <br /><br />Engineering staff has met with various residents requesting information and the homeowners association of Bellflower Terrace Condominiums. Engineering will continue to work with CT Consultants to determine potential future storm water improvements in Mentor and will also continue to assist property owners with flood-related questions. <br /><br />Parks and Recreation Department<br />• Black Brook Golf Course was closed July 20 due to flooding and some damage to the bridges. Public Works is working on rerouting our golfers temporarily until things can be fixed.<br /><br />• Morton pool had 18 inches of water in filter room; the trash pump and part of the pool heater were under water. The pool was closed due to the poor weather conditions and the staff cleaned the pool on Saturday. The trash pump and heater have dried out and both were working by Sunday. The water clarity at Garfield pool is 100% better. We purchased a new heavy duty pool vacuum and the pool staff vacuumed pool all day Saturday and Sunday. All pools had a lot of run-off. We cleaned all day Saturday and all pools looked good by Sunday.<br /><br />Public Works Department<br />• Storm response - beginning July 20<br />• Debris collection - crews working 10-hour days<br />• CityFest prep<br />• Poured new handicap ramp - Munson Road<br /><br />Economic and Community Development<br />• The City unemployment rate is 6.6%; 0.7% above where it was in June 2012; the rate in Lake County (7.1%) increased 0.4% from a year earlier. The unemployment rate for the state of Ohio increased 0.6% from May to June 2013 and was 0.1% higher than in June 2012. Among cities 50,000+ in population, Mentor ranked third-lowest in the state’s unemployment rate, behind Cleveland Heights (6.5%) and Lakewood (6.4%). Both of these cities experienced unemployment rate increases between May and June 2013.<br /><br />Finance<br />• The City Manager and Finance Director plan to meet with our financial advisor in August to discuss short-term and long-term financing for capital projects. Current interest rates for one year bond anticipation notes on highly rated issues are selling below 0.30 percent.<br /><br />-- Betsy Scott, BScott@News-Herald.com, @ReporterBetsyhttp://behindthenews-herald.blogspot.com/2013/07/flood-calls-consume-mentor-staff-time.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (News-Herald Blogs)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135947605143622575.post-3000098493974077330Mon, 22 Jul 2013 17:30:00 +00002013-07-22T13:30:00.897-04:00Johnnycake JogThanks to Johnnycake Jog sponsors and volunteersThanks to all the sponsors and volunteers who helped make the 37th annual Johnnycake Jog possible. Check them all out in the ad below:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-My7s9Z7Yx7M/Ue1p_fo3X4I/AAAAAAAABAM/5jSMR0kyR0U/s1600/Johnnycake-Jog-Ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-My7s9Z7Yx7M/Ue1p_fo3X4I/AAAAAAAABAM/5jSMR0kyR0U/s1600/Johnnycake-Jog-Ad.jpg" height="640" width="312" /></a></div>http://behindthenews-herald.blogspot.com/2013/07/thanks-to-johnnycake-jog-sponsors-and.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Cheryl Sadler, MLIS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135947605143622575.post-5182466618259133581Mon, 15 Jul 2013 21:29:00 +00002013-07-15T17:29:46.921-04:00Mentor gets big rebate from BWCMentor gets a big boost from the BWC, a historic home is getting a makeover and a beach party gets out of hand — those items and more from recent weekly reports from the city manager.<br /><br />Highlights:<br />• Last week, the city received a refund of more than $250,000 from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. The amount is related to the rebate plan approved on May 30 by the BWC as proposed by the governor and is a return of surplus premium from 2011 and 2012. The revenue has been credited to the city’s Workers’ Compensation fund to further strengthen the city’s position in covering potential liabilities for future claims.<br /><br />• The Building Department has received a building permit application for a home addition, whole house roof and whole house siding on Hart Street. The owner of the home was the winner of the 2013 CertainTeed Exterior Living Spaces Home Makeover Contest. It is expected that CertainTeed will have a camera crew in town during siding/roof installation.<br /><br />• During the late evening of June 23, officers assisted the Park Rangers and other local law enforcement agencies with a large party and gathering at the Headlands Beach. Officers assisted with traffic complaints and getting people out, once the Rangers closed the park.<br /><br />Manager Comments <br />• Two males were arrested after they trespassed on the property of 7722 Metric Dr. in an attempt to steal scrap metal. The males fled the scene on foot when police arrived. After a prolonged foot pursuit and search, one of the males was captured. The other male was located at his home and arrested. <br /><br />• Councilpersons Janet Dowling and John Krueger were joined by Assistant City Manager, Tony Zampedro, and Ron Traub at the ribbon cutting for Kronheim’s furniture store at 7590 Mentor Ave. on Thursday evening.<br /><br />• Notice letters are ready to be delivered to residents regarding the 2013 Sidewalk Repair Program and also those homes in the North Palmerston/Bellflower area requesting access for the City and County Utilities Department to conduct dye testing of the storm and sanitary sewer systems.<br /><br />• On July 4th, while the crowd waited for the fireworks to begin, Public Education Specialist Nathan Peters and fire station personnel instructed over 70 residents on the proper way to administer “Hands Only CPR.” Our residents were eager to learn so much life saving information in such a short period of time.<br /><br />Fire Department<br />• On July 3 at 12:35 p.m., Mentor Fire responded to smoke in a garage; the washer belt had burned, causing the smoke and smell. There was no fire and no injury.<br /><br />• On July 3 at 12:51 p.m., Mentor Fire responded to a fire alarm sounding in a restaurant. Upon arrival, the business had been evacuated for a grease fire, which had been extinguished prior to the Fire Department’s arrival. Fire crews checked for fire extension, ventilated the building and reset the alarm.<br /><br />• On July 5 at 12:38 p.m., Mentor Fire responded to a car vs. motorcycle accident on Lakeshore Blvd. The patient on the motorcycle was treated and transported to TriPoint Medical Center in stable condition.<br /><br />• On&nbsp; July 6 at 10:36 p.m., Mentor Fire responded to a reported gasoline tanker truck on fire at a gas station.&nbsp; The brakes of the truck had caught fire. The fire was extinguished by the driver; fire crews applied water to the brakes to cool them. There were no injuries.<br /><br />• On July 8 at 8:47 p.m., Mentor Fire responded to an MVA. A vehicle was driven into a pole in a parking lot. The driver of the vehicle suffered multiple injuries to his face; he was treated and transported to Lake Health West.<br /><br />• On July 9 at 6:10 p.m., Mentor Fire responded to a grill “flash” fire. The homeowner’s propane tank attached to the grill malfunctioned. The patient was treated and transported to Lake Health West.<br /><br />• On July 10 at 11:40 p.m., Mentor Fire responded to a possible fire in a room at 7677 Reynolds Road. The occupant of the room saw flames coming from the ceiling fan in the bathroom and used an extinguisher from the outside to extinguish the fire and called 911. Mentor Fire checked for extension in the ceiling and attic.&nbsp; Ventilation was completed; the occupant could not return to the room. The cause appears to be accidental, but is under investigation.<br /><br />Police Department<br />• On July 6, officers arrested a male for aggravated burglary, kidnapping and attempted rape. The male entered the residence of a female acquaintance without permission. He confronted the female in her bedroom and attempted to remove her clothes. The male fled the scene when the female’s husband arrived home. The suspect was apprehended a short time later.<br /><br />• On July 7, a male was arrested for felonious assault. He was physically fighting with his brother in the front yard of his residence. The suspect struck his brother in the head with a coffee cup, causing several lacerations and continually punched him in the face. The victim received several stitches on his head.<br /><br />• On the Fourth of July, the Police Department assisted with the Headland’s Parade, City fireworks display and several neighborhood bicycle parades. The City fireworks display went smoothly without any incidences or arrests. Traffic was completely cleared and all roads reopened within 65 minutes of the end of the event.<br /><br />Engineering<br />• The Engineering Department is currently working with Public Works on evaluating the existing storm sewer on Raymond Dr. from Brooks Blvd. to Dunbar Dr. Heavy rain on June 29 caused ponding water at the intersection of Brooks Blvd. and Raymond Dr.&nbsp; In at least one instance on the west end of Raymond Dr., debris was blocking an existing inlet preventing it from draining properly. However, the existing capacity of the storm sewer is also being evaluated at this time.<br /><br />Parks and Recreation Department<br />• Currently, there are 2,619 children participating in summer camps. This is a very strong number despite a late ending and early beginning school year. Civic Center Day Camp continues to outpace other camps in attendance, maxing out weekly at 120 kids.<br /><br />• Paddleboard, kayaking and other paddling classes are receiving very good attendance. More than 160 people are registered this year, compared to 145 last year. We’ve also had a record number of requests for guided kayak parties. <br /><br />• Plans for Mentor CityFest are nearing completion with less than six weeks to the event. Sponsors include Aqua Ohio, Classic Auto Group, EYE Lighting International, Lincoln Electric, Medical Mutual, Parker Hannifin Corporation, Petitti Garden Centers, Steris, The Bicycle Hub, Waste Management and Yuengling. Visit www.MentorCityFest.com for all the latest news and information.<br /><br />• The Senior Center served 1,526 meals last month; 150 of the meals were served at the monthly celebration.&nbsp; There are currently 4,244 Senior Center members.<br /><br />• Take a trip back to the nostalgic 50’s at the Summer Concert Series on July 16 with the “Belairs.”&nbsp; Perhaps a few cars from the 50’s era will show to help set the mood.<br /><br />Economic and Community Development<br />• Second quarter homes data for Lake County and the City of Mentor indicate a 52% and 45% respective increase in home sales over the first quarter 2013. For the same period, the average price increased 18% and 12% respectively, and the length of time a home was on the market declined 33% and 28%.&nbsp; In comparing the first quarter 2012 and 2013, the number of homes sold in the County increased by 77% (52% in the City). The average price increased 10% at the County level, but declined at the City level.&nbsp; The length of time a house was on the market also declined (-32% at the County level and -12% at the City level).<br /><br />• MEACO has approved a $25,000 Mentor Small Business Loan for the purchase of new computer equipment for Professional Answering Service, Inc. Professional Answering Service, a medical answering service, was established in 1950 and is celebrating 63 years of business in Mentor. <br /><br />Public Works Department<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fireworks clean-up<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Prepping for Family Day at Wildwood Cultural Center<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jail office renovations - ongoing<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lagoons landscape project - bringing in fill and topsoil in preparation for seeding<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Inlet basin repairs - Munson, Elm and Roselawn<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Crosswalk modification - Ice Arena to football stadium<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tested spread spectrum radios on Mentor Ave. for traffic system communications<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cleaned dry wells - Lakeshore and Munson<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Storm sewer cleaning - Cornell<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Crack sealing - Sharonlee, Maplewood, Southwood, Patterson<br /><br />-- Betsy Scott, BScott@News-Herald.com, @ReporterBetsyhttp://behindthenews-herald.blogspot.com/2013/07/mentor-gets-big-rebate-from-bwc.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (News-Herald Blogs)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135947605143622575.post-4870069808934806127Mon, 15 Jul 2013 18:14:00 +00002013-07-15T14:14:00.709-04:00eventsFairport HarborlighthouseSunset/moonrise private tour at Fairport Harbor LighthouseEnjoy the sunset and the moonrise with a private tour of the Fairport Harbor Lighthouse on July 22. More information in the flyer below:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CrrbyeGnbXs/UeQ2B3PZyzI/AAAAAAAAA_s/7K9Zx2RYFFw/s1600/moonrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CrrbyeGnbXs/UeQ2B3PZyzI/AAAAAAAAA_s/7K9Zx2RYFFw/s1600/moonrise.jpg" height="252" width="400" /></a></div><br />http://behindthenews-herald.blogspot.com/2013/07/sunsetmoonrise-private-tour-at-fairport.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Cheryl Sadler, MLIS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135947605143622575.post-7834540753198067955Wed, 26 Jun 2013 21:12:00 +00002013-06-26T17:12:55.256-04:00Clevelandflea marketSterle's Country House to host the Cleveland Flea Pop-Up Urban Flea MarketCheck out this news release with information about what's going on in Cleveland on July 13: <br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Cleveland, Ohio, June 26, 2013&nbsp; –&nbsp; Sterle’s Country House will be home to The Cleveland Flea on Saturday, July 13.&nbsp; This pop-up urban flea market is a mix of artisans, food trucks, pop-up and bricks-and-mortar retail, and educational demonstrations. It offers shoppers the opportunity to meet the makers, learn new skills, engage in new experiences, taste locally sourced foods, and so much more.&nbsp; More than 50 vendors will be on hand, selling handmade artisan goods, architectural salvage, vintage clothing, books, baked goods, and fantastic flea finds.<br /><br />Sterle’s Country House will have Flea vendors both inside and outside of the iconic restaurant.&nbsp; The Bier Garden will be open with food and beer and the inside bar will be open as well.<br /><br />Rick Semersky, owner of Sterles, states, “This event is a great example of the neighborhood passion that results in collaboration.&nbsp; Sterle’s is an important anchor in the St. Clair/Superior area and we are thrilled to be working with The Cleveland Flea to host this truly unique event.&nbsp; Just another illustration of the creativity that exists in Cleveland.” <br /><br />The St. Clair Superior Development Corporation and artist/entrepreneur Stephanie Sheldon have partnered to create this new tradition in Cleveland. Occurring on the second Saturday of every month through December, The Cleveland Flea features a curated selection of Cleveland artisans.&nbsp; This partnership is an outgrowth of the St. Clair Superior's Retail Ready project, which has lured new businesses to the area by working with local landlords to offer inexpensive rent, funding and marketing assistance.<br /><br />"The Cleveland Flea is a modern, curated market that comes alive once a month with creativity, energy and people who are excited about selling, shopping and staying local.&nbsp; I like to think of The Flea as a treasure hunt, and just as guests find treasures within the flea, they are also introduced on a larger scale to the treasures within our city, Sterle's being one of them.&nbsp; It feels so 'Cleveland' to be at Sterle's and I'm excited to be a part of celebrating that with the rest of the city" states Stephanie Sheldon, founder of The Cleveland Flea.<br /><br />Hours of the event are 10:00 am until 5:00 pm.&nbsp; Sterle's is located at 1401 E. 55th Street, Cleveland, OH.&nbsp; For more information, please visit http://theclevelandflea.com/ and http://sterlescountryhouse.com/</blockquote>http://behindthenews-herald.blogspot.com/2013/06/sterles-country-house-to-host-cleveland.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Cheryl Sadler, MLIS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135947605143622575.post-5246200141582855969Mon, 24 Jun 2013 15:36:00 +00002013-06-24T11:36:11.429-04:00Major Mentor drainage project may get grantSidewalks are being added near a Mentor school, “Fairy Houses” make their debut at Wildwood and a major drainage project is a step closer to grant funding — those items and more in latest weekly city manager memo to City Council.<br /><br />Highlights:<br />• The OPWC District 7 Lake County Local Integrating Committee met this week and recommended five Local Transportation Improvement Program projects and six state Capital Improvement Program projects to be presented to the full integrating committee. Of these, one Mentor project — the Two Town Detention Basin — was recommended for grant and loan funding. Final award and funding amount will be determined after approval by the full committee.<br /><br />• Infinity Paving began construction on the Safe Routes to School Project Friday. Work will begin with construction of a sidewalk along Hendricks Road from Eagles Nest to Orchard Hollow Elementary. The remaining work consists of the construction of curb ramps on Jordan Drive at Spinnaker Court, an update to the school flashers at Shore Middle School and a path constructed on Shore Middle School property from the school to Washington Avenue. Bike racks will also be placed at each of the three schools.<br /><br />• The “Fairy Houses” were delivered and installed at Wildwood last week with the cooperation of the Wildwood Garden Club. The 10 houses are the first of their kind in the area and the artist hopes that people will enjoy the new attraction in the Wildwood Gardens.<br /><br />Manager Comments<br />• On June 18, the Mentor Senior Center held a 40th Anniversary Celebration. A photo montage was presented that covered the history of the center. Past Center Director Laura Imbornoni and Recreation Programmer Kim Nolan, who witnessed the metamorphosis of the center, were on hand to talk about where we were and how we got here today.<br /><br />• On June 17, supervisors for the fire and police departments joined participants from Mentor Schools and Mentor-on-the-Lake Fire Department, in a joint table-top training exercise at the Mentor High School. The purpose of the exercise was to enhance our community response to school-based emergencies and provide school officials and public safety forces an opportunity to train together and discuss procedures, resources and response capabilities, and pre-event response actions. The exercise was a very important step in ongoing work toward better emergency preparedness between the schools and the city.<br /><br />Fire Department<br />• On June 13 at 7:38 p.m., the Fire Department responded to a roll-over injury accident on SR 2 West of 306. This was a single car accident where two patients suffered significant injuries.<br /><br />• On June 13 at 8:12 p.m., the Fire Department responded to a car vs. tree accident on Harvest Home.&nbsp; Paramedics arrived to find a vehicle in the road that had moderate damage from the tree. The driver had left the scene on foot and was later located by the police. The driver was injured, but refused care.<br /><br />• On June 13 at 11:06 p.m., paramedics responded to a car vs. deer accident. Upon arrival, the patient was a restrained driver who hit a deer at 60 mph. The patient was unharmed and signed a release.<br /><br />• On June 14 at 11:43 p.m., Paramedics responded to a motorcycle accident. Upon arrival, the patient was unresponsive at the scene, treated for severe injuries and transported to Lake Catholic School where a landing zone was set up for Life Flight. The patient was then transported to MetroHealth Level II Trauma Center.<br /><br />• On June 14 at 12:11 p.m., Paramedics responded to a multicar MVA. Upon arrival, there were four cars with moderate damage. One patient was extricated from his vehicle and treated at the scene and then transported to Lake Health West. Three other patients refused treatment and signed releases.<br /><br />• On June 20 at 12:33 p.m., the Fire Department responded to a pedestrian struck by a pick-up truck at Mentor Avenue and Hopkins. The female pedestrian was struck while crossing Mentor Avenue. She was treated and transported in stable condition. The driver denied any injuries.<br /><br />• On June 20 at 12:24 p.m., the Fire Department responded to a hotel on Reynolds Road for smoke in the hallway. Crews arrived to find the building partially evacuated and smoke on the third and fourth floors. The cause was later determined to be a faulty HVAC unit; there was no fire. Fire crews shut down the unit and ventilated the building with little disruption to the hotel.<br /><br />Police Department<br />• The juvenile arrested for making a bomb threat at Ridge Middle school in February was ordered by Juvenile Court to pay $1,000 restitution to the city of Mentor. The restitution is for the cost of the city safety forces that responded to the false alarm. <br /><br />• Channel 19 interviewed Capt. Gunsch regarding the implementation of the mobile app iWatchNEOhio. The story was shown on the 4 and 6 p.m. broadcasts. Channel 19 did a good job promoting the use of the app and encouraging citizens to work in a partnership with the police department. <br /><br />Engineering<br />• Bids were opened for the Hoose Road resurfacing project on June 18. Bids were favorable and legislation is being prepared for council consideration at the July 2 Council Meeting.<br /><br />• Bids were opened for the SR 306 concrete repair project on June 18. Bids were favorable and legislation is being prepared for Council consideration at the July 2 Council Meeting.<br /><br />Parks and Recreation Department<br />• The first of the Summer Concerts will be held Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Civic Center Amphitheatre.&nbsp; Contra Band will kickoff the season with a blend of Motown favorites and Classic Rock. We’d like to thank Dollar Bank for their sponsorship of the summer concerts.<br /><br />• More than 300 swimmers joined the staff at Civic Center Pool on June 18 to try to break the record for the largest swimming lesson. The results will be in at the beginning of July.<br /><br />• The 33rd Wildwood Fine Arts Festival will be held Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Wildwood Cultural Center. We will feature pottery, painting, ceramics, and photography, along with entertainment and light refreshments. There is a $2 donation.<br /><br />Economic and Community Development<br />• The Single-Family Housing Rehabilitation program is well under way for the season, having completed, begun or reviewed projects for 10 households. If anyone has knowledge of a low-to-moderate income individual or a family that needs housing rehabilitation assistance, please have them contact Tom O’Hara in Community Development. The program usually assists between 15 and 20 households per year with a variety of home rehabilitation projects.<br /><br />Finance<br />• We were notified by the Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA) that the city will be receiving $569,583 as its share of refunded retainer fees. Our total net costs of collection to the agency after the refund equals 1.5 percent. The refund is $75,000 higher than last year’s refund.<br /><br />Public Works Department<br />• Pre-con next week with DuraMark in advance of striping in July<br />• Seeking quotes for inlet basin repairs on Tyler<br />• Issued purchase requisition for removal of dead trees on Brooks and Dawson median <br />• Jail renovations - ongoing<br />• FS #2 - roof and gutter repairs<br />• Inlet basin rebuilds - Steeplechase, Civic Center<br />• 11 code enforcement projects<br />• Prepping for curbing at Marina<br />• Storm sewer cleaning - King Memorial, Cadle<br />• Storm sewer televising - King Memorial, Seminole, Cadle<br />• Storm sewer repair - 8205 Lakeshore<br />• Crack sealing - Foothill, Bernard, Stonybrook, Hodgson, Market<br />• NOPEC is having a meeting on July 17. One of the topics is additional grant funding. <br /><br />-- Betsy Scott, BScott@News-Herald.com, @ReporterBetsy<br /><br />http://behindthenews-herald.blogspot.com/2013/06/major-mentor-drainage-project-may-get.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (News-Herald Blogs)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135947605143622575.post-1683561619839224188Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:21:00 +00002013-06-19T14:11:02.462-04:00Mentor targeting MillenialsMentor’s mall might have a new eatery on the way, deer management planning is under way again, and the city is launching a campaign to attract a younger crowd — those items and more in the latest, weekly city manager memo to City Council:<br /><br />Highlights:<br />• The city’s economic development campaign targeted to the Millennial generation will run from now through Labor Day. The city will promote the benefits of living and raising a family in Mentor on various social media, including Facebook, Linked In and Pandora Internet and Mobile Radio. Working with the city of Mentor, Burges &amp; Burges created two Facebook ads designed to draw Facebook users to the city’s website and to increase its Facebook presence.&nbsp; The ads began on Saturday, June 8 and will run through Monday, Sept. 2. Besides drawing Facebook users to the city’s website, the ads have also increased the city’s number of Facebook “Likes.”<br /><br />• City officials met Tuesday with an ODNR representative to review last year’s deer management program efforts and preview the upcoming season. ODNR is very pleased with the overall conduct of our program and continues to offer assistance toward a successful upcoming year. Likely changes in ORC were reviewed and a discussion was had about changes to this year’s program to reach other parts of the city.<br /><br />• MEACO (Mentor Economic Assistance Corp.) has approved a $25,000 Mentor Small Business Loan for equipment expenses to Masala World LLC, a start-up business that will be opening a new “Indian” styled restaurant in the Great Lakes Mall Food Court. Masala World will feature non-greasy, healthy food with spice, and an array of Indian breads, wraps, rolls, dips and chutneys. (Editors note: A mall rep said there currently is no lease with Masala World.)<br /><br />Fire Department<br />• On June 8 at 12:20 p.m., Mentor Fire responded to a gas line struck on Mentor Avenue. Upon arrival, officials closed two lanes of Mentor Avenue for about 20 minutes while the situation was evaluated. It was found that workers digging for a radio station antenna accidentally struck the 4-inch gas line. The gas company was called to secure the line. The road was then opened. There were no injuries.<br /><br />• On June 9 at 9:53 a.m., Mentor Fire Stations 1, 2, 3 and 5 responded to Mentor Avenue for a MVA involving two cars, one of which was a convertible. The two patients in the convertible were treated at the scene and transported to Meridia Hillcrest Trauma Unit after freeing them with hydraulic extrication tools. The driver of the second car was treated at the scene and transported to Lake Health West and then to Metro Level I Trauma Center via Life Flight.<br /><br />• On June 6, Mentor and Willoughby Fire and Police handled a rollover accident on eastbound Rt. 2 at the Mentor/Willoughby border. Two patients with significant trauma injuries were treated and transported.<br /><br />• Chief Harvey and Deputy Chief Searles continue to work with the Police Department and Mentor Schools with School Safety Planning.<br /><br />Police Department<br />• The police department was busy with traffic concerns as a result of the storm on June 12. The storm caused a few trees to fall across Mentor Avenue and the flooding of the underpass on SR 306. This resulted in some road closures until Public Works and CEI arrived to clear the trees and downed wires.<br /><br />• Sergeants Valley and Majernik graduated from the 11-week Leadership and Management Course for Law Enforcement. The course was presented by The Ohio State University. <br /><br />Engineering<br />• SR 2 Widening and Reconstruction: ODOT has finished paving mainline SR 2 and has placed final pavement markings along the corridor, including the Heisley Road/Diamond Centre area. The recent weather has delayed the start of the Center Street improvements near the Classic Chevy property. Once work begins, it is anticipated to be completed within three weeks.<br /><br />• Traffic signals along the Center Street corridor were switched to their permanent configuration June 11. Communication between signals has been re-established allowing for better coordination. Work continues on the adjusting of the signals and detectors along the corridor to provide more efficient operation. Traffic operations along the corridor are currently being observed and final adjustments to the signal timing will be made when the signal work has been completed.<br /><br />• The City will be publishing a Public Notice for the estimated assessments that were developed for the 2012 Sidewalk Repair and Pedestrian Safety Program. The notice will be published for the weeks in The News Herald. Residents will have until July 22 to make written objections to the assessment cost, which will be reviewed by the administration during this period for possible adjustments. Council will then be asked to certify the final assessment costs for placement on those owners’ property taxes.<br /><br />Parks and Recreation Department<br />• Pools and Spray-grounds opened Friday for the season. <br /><br />• Day Camps got under way this week. For information, go to www.cityofmentor.com/play and click “Summer Camps.”<br /><br />Economic and Community Development<br />• Tom Thielman attended the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Initiative “orientation” meeting at the Mentor Holiday Inn. The event was in cooperation with the city of Mentor, JumpStart and the Mentor Chamber of Commerce. Goldman Sachs is providing free training to existing business owners on how to create a “growth plan.” Businesses need to have at least four employees and $150,000 in annual sales to be eligible. <br /><br />Finance<br />• The city’s financial audit exit conference is scheduled for next Thursday, June 20 from 9-10 a.m. at City Hall in the second floor conference room. At the direction of our outside auditors, all Council members are invited to attend.&nbsp; (Attendance is not mandatory).<br /><br />• This week, the city received a check for $169,455 from our medical insurance provider Medical Mutual as a result of our favorable claims experience for calendar year 2012. The check is a positive result of the City’s negotiating efforts last year to include for the first time a contingent premium settlement clause in our health insurance contract.<br /><br />Personnel<br />• Carey Baughman, Office Assistant II, will be retiring after 13 years of service to the city of Mentor, Engineering &amp; Building Department. Carey’s last day in the office will be June 20.<br /><br />Public Works Department<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Excavated and set base for type 6 curb at Marina/Lagoons<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Raised castings and cleaned sewers on Mallard, Hayes and Warrendale<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Storm sewer televising - 8205 Lakeshore<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Storm sewer repair Warrendale @ Nearing Circle<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Raised two inlet basins - Homewood<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Inlet basin rebuilds (2) - Paddock<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Response to 6/12 storm<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cemetery clean-up<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Prepping pools and spray parks<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Full depth asphalt repairs - Edgehill and Murray<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Repaired failed section of bike path near Ice Arena<br /><br />-- Betsy Scott, BScott@News-Herald.com, @ReporterBetsy<br /><br />http://behindthenews-herald.blogspot.com/2013/06/indian-food-comes-to-mentor-mall.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (News-Herald Blogs)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135947605143622575.post-8834700106210413091Wed, 12 Jun 2013 17:14:00 +00002013-06-12T13:14:02.663-04:00Mentor aims to "Take Pride" in '14Mentor police issued nearly 100 seatbelt violations, the city’s “Take Pride in America” show will be pursued for next year, and an event to boost small businesses is happening this week — those items &amp; more in the weekly city manager memo to City Council.<br /><br />Highlights:<br />• Sadly, we have had to cancel the “Take Pride In America” event due to travel restrictions on the Armed Forces. We will try to schedule the 20th Anniversary of this event in 2014. (Background: <a href="http://bit.ly/17ZZYi1">http://bit.ly/17ZZYi1</a>)<br /><br />• The city of Mentor in cooperation with the Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce and JumpStart Inc. will be co-sponsoring Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business “orientation” meeting at the Mentor Holiday Inn, 7701 Reynolds Road from 7:30–9 a.m. on Thursday. This free mini MBA program is targeted to small businesses of three or more employees and sales of at least $150,000.<br /><br />• The annual “Click It or Ticket” campaign concluded on June 2. During this two-week period, the Police Department issued 96 safety belt violation citations, including two child safety seat violation citations. <br /><br />Other goings-on in the city this past week:<br />Fire Department<br />• On May 31 at 3:42 p.m., Fire Stations 1, 3 and 5 responded to a possible roof fire at JCPenney.&nbsp; Upon arrival, it was discovered that roof workers had accidentally set some of the roof on fire while repairing it. Two small areas of the fascias board were found smoldering. Overhaul was done and the business was on fire watch until the work was completed.<br /><br />• On June 1 at 3:42 p.m., Mentor Fire Department responded to an incident where a baby deer was stuck between two fences. The animal was freed and unharmed.<br /><br />• On June 2 at 3:01 p.m., paramedics responded to a pedestrian hit by a car. The female was treated and transported to Lake Health West in stable condition.<br /><br />• On June 3 at 10:24 p.m., Mentor Fire Station 5 assisted two area residents who were lost in the Lagoons; they were hiking when their GPS battery went dead. MPD and MFD responded and led them back to the trail. There were no injuries.<br /><br />• On June 4 at 3:47 a.m., Mentor Fire Stations 1 and 5 responded to a possible dryer fire. Upon arrival, the fire was extinguished and the dryer was shut down. Charring to the surrounding areas of the dryer was removed and the dryer was removed from the house. Occupants were checked for injuries and a working smoke detector was installed.<br /><br />• On June 4 at 5:09 p.m., Mentor Fire Stations 3 and 4 responded to Colonial Plaza for an electrical problem. Upon arrival, there was arcing coming from defective wiring. CEI was on the scene and turned off power in the electrical room. Management was informed by CEI that they will need an electrical inspection completed prior to having the electricity turned back on.<br />&nbsp; <br />• On June 4, three members of Mentor Fire were promoted and sworn in. Ron Zak to Battalion Chief and Bill Malovrh and Tony Higginbotham to Lieutenant.<br /><br />• Spring fire hydrant testing continues throughout the City.<br /><br />Engineering<br />• Center Street Detention Basin: Hallmark Excavating is in the process of completing the detention basin capacity improvements at SR 2 and SR 615 (just north of Classic Chevrolet).&nbsp; Once completed, the project will provide extended detention times and provide water quality treatment by metering the discharge through a reduced orifice.<br /><br />• The contractor for the Beechwood Drive Storm Sewer Improvement from Elm Street to Evergreen Drive is postponing the start date of the project to August 2013. The completion date for the project is unchanged (10/18/13).<br /><br />• Reedhurst Farms Phase 2, located off Green Valley Drive, is currently under construction. The contractor, JTO Inc., is proof-rolling the subgrade of the roadway to test for proper compaction and will follow up shortly with pavement installation.<br /><br />• Newell Creek Phase 7 is currently under construction. This phase consists of 28 lots of attached town houses in the northeast corner of the Newell Creek Development off Overton Drive. Utilities, such as sanitary sewer/storm sewer service, are being installed.<br /><br />Parks and Recreation Department<br />• Two of the city’s swimming pools opened last weekend — Morton Park Swimming Pool and Splash Park and the Splash Park at Edward R. Walsh Park. Civic Center and Garfield Pools will open Friday. All pools will operate from 1 to 8 p.m. daily through Aug. 18.<br /><br />• The Recreation Department is set for the beginning of summer with over 150 Day Camps, starting June 17; the Civic Ice Arena re-opens on June 10 with many classes and open skates for the whole family; the Summer Concerts start June 25 featuring a different band each Tuesday; and, there will be 19 Special Events throughout the summer.<br /><br />• Tuesday, Jill Korsok and Bob Martin were invited to the WMJI 105.7FM studios to promote Cityfest and compete in the Tuesday Trivia Challenge. We appreciate the opportunity to talk about Cityfest with the Morning Team.<br /><br />• Black Brook Golf Course has been busy with golf schools. The course condition is showing improvement and the asphalt repairs and path to the Practice Center have been completed.<br /><br />• The Senior Center is working with United Way on the “Day of Caring” to have a group come to the Senior Center and work on the planter beds.<br /><br />• The Senior Center started planning trips for the 2014 trip program with a meeting of interested members.<br /><br />Economic and Community Development<br />• The Department of Economic and Community Development is pleased to welcome Jennifer Potoczak as our new Administrative Secretary. If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her yet, don’t hesitate to stop by and introduce yourself.<br /><br />• Ron Traub participated in a webinar entitled, “Five Key Strategies for a Skilled Workforce.”&nbsp; Reports show that 600,000 manufacturing jobs are going unfilled in the U.S. and 50 percent of HR Directors say workforce recruitment is their largest challenge. The webinar addressed key strategies that a region could use to improve its skilled workforce population. <br /><br />• Next week, MEACO is closing a SBA 504 Loan with Cleveland Plumbing Supply Company (CPS). CPS purchased 7272 Mentor Ave. (former Clark Dodge site) and remodeled the facility for its Mentor distribution and showroom operations. Total project cost was just under $1 million, with MEACO lending $394,000. Also, Red, Wine &amp; Brew has started construction of its 16,000- square-foot building at 9620 Old Johnnycake Road. This is a $1.95 million SBA 504 project in partnership with Lake National Bank. <br /><br />• The clock at the corner of Little Mountain Rd. and Mentor Ave., initially installed by the Verdi’s when they owned and operated Great Harvest Bread Company (and now Verdi’s Imported Foods), has been repaired.<br /><br />• Ron Traub attended the Jobs Ohio/Ohio Development Services Agency mid-year briefing. Of the approximately 300 economic development practitioners in attendance, no one else from Lake County was represented and only a few Cuyahoga County representatives were present.&nbsp; Content-wise, on the Jobs Ohio side, presentations on the Ohio Insite program (state operated site selection service) and Foreign Direct Investment program were insightful. Several spokesmen for the Ohio Development Services Agency reviewed new business financing options and the workforce development initiatives of which the administration tries to utilize as part of the City’s economic development initiative.<br /><br />Finance<br />• This week the City received $262,000 of estate tax revenue. The revenue was generated from pre 2013 inheritance tax return activity. The State of Ohio eliminated this source of revenue effective 2013. Any future distributions are residual amounts for pre 2013 tax returns. No estate tax revenue was factored into the 2013 revenue budget.<br /><br />• Income tax collections for the month of May were up $705,000 when compared to May of last year. The current total year collections through May as compared to last year are up 2.4 percent.<br /><br />Public Works Department<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rebuilt inlet basin - SR 615<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Coordinated repair of traffic loops damaged during paving<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Began jail renovations<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Repaired vandalism damage at Mentor Beach Park<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Roof repairs – Fire Station #2<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Meeting with LC General Health Department regarding spray park start up<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Window and roof repairs – Wildwood Cultural Center<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Excavating/prepping for curbing at Marina<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Storm sewer cleaning - Station, Wilson, Iroquois<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Storm sewer inspection - Chase, Wilson, Barkwood, Mallard<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Storm sewer repair - 8843 Hendricks, 7109 W Jefferson<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 20 property maintenance projects<br /><br />-- Betsy Scott, BScott@News-Herald.com, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/ReporterBetsy" target="_blank">@ReporterBetsy</a>http://behindthenews-herald.blogspot.com/2013/06/mentor-aims-to-take-pride-in-14.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (News-Herald Blogs)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135947605143622575.post-4307468992890136971Tue, 04 Jun 2013 17:19:00 +00002013-06-04T13:19:43.722-04:003 charged in Mentor park vandalismMore lane closures on a congested Mentor road, more news about the new CityFest, and some youths are charged with vandalizing a city park building — those items and more in the latest weekly city manager memo:<br /><br />&nbsp;Police Department<br />• Three juveniles were arrested for breaking into the building at Mentor Beach Park on Memorial Day and causing damage, which consisted of holes in the drywall, broken ceiling tiles, light fixtures, and a broken window. Entry to the building was gained through an unlocked window. All three juveniles were charged by Mentor-on-the-Lake Police with breaking and entering and vandalism. <br /><br />There was over $2,500 of damage done. The park caretaker reported the teens to Mentor-on-the-Lake Police. Park crews began repairs on Tuesday morning. Mentor-on-the-Lake Police also have charged two teens for spray-painting on the back walls of the Mentor Beach Park building.<br /><br />• A traffic stop on a vehicle resulted in two males being arrested for trafficking in cocaine, possession of cocaine and marijuana. The vehicle was stopped on I-90 by officers participating in the ACE unit. The officer smelled an odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. The vehicle was searched and marijuana was located. The two male occupants were searched and cocaine and crack cocaine were located on both males. The drugs, along with the suspect’s vehicle, cell phones and $860 in cash were seized.<br /><br />• The mobile app iWatchNEOhio is functioning and ready for download from all mobile app stores by smart phone users. Choose “Mentor Police” as the home department. Citizens can send tips regarding criminal and suspicious activity anonymously to the Police Department. This mobile app allows our citizens to partner with law enforcement to help protect our community.&nbsp; <br /><br />Manager Comments<br />• Lake Health has agreed to be the naming sponsor for CityFest. Its two-year commitment will equal $25,000 and will allow Lake Health to be listed on all advertising just below the “Mentor CityFest” logo.<br /><br />• SR 2 Widening &amp; Reconstruction — Paving of mainline Route 2 is scheduled to be completed this week and the Route 615 lane adjustment work at Classic Chevy is scheduled to begin. It is anticipated that daily lane closures will occur during the widening operations. Traffic signal work on Route 615 is anticipated to be complete the week of June 10. Heisley Road traffic signal work is anticipated to be complete in early July. Noise wall work adjacent to west Heisley is anticipated to be complete by the end of June.<br /><br />Fire Department<br />• On May 28 at 5:05 p.m., Fire Station 1 responded to Lincoln Electric for an industrial accident. A 1,000-pound bale of wire fell onto a 23-year-old male’s lower leg. The coil was removed prior to Station 1’s arrival. The patient was treated and transported to Lake Health West.<br /><br />• On May 29 at 4:23 p.m., Fire Station 4 responded to a car vs. bike accident on Bellflower Rd. A 10-year-old male was not wearing a helmet; he complained of back, leg pain and had multiple contusions throughout his body. The patient was treated and transported to Hillcrest Pediatric ER.<br /><br />Engineering<br />• Due to weather conditions last week, the Heisley Road Bridge project Stage II traffic control was moved to May 31. During Stage II, traffic across the bridge will remain northbound only. The northbound traffic will be shifted onto the newly placed bridge deck utilizing crossovers to the southbound side of the roadway. This traffic shift will be between the exit and entrance ramps only and all traffic will be back to its original location past these ramps. The southbound traffic detour will remain unchanged (SR 2 West to SR 615 to SR 2 East). Periodic off-peak lane closures will continue on SR 2 under Heisley Road Bridge.<br /><br />• 2013 Road Repair Program — The Market Street and Munson Road intersection area was paved May 29. All streets included in the Road Repair Program have now been paved. Punch list work items have been sent to the contractor for their attention.<br /><br />• Station Street Resurfacing — The asphalt surface course was placed May 30 on Station Street from Jackson Street to Center Street. This should complete all work items on the project with the exception of restoration.<br /><br />Parks and Recreation Department<br />• Pool pass sales have started to increase along with the temperatures. All pools were filled this week (that’s 1.2 million gallons of water!) and the filtration systems are running.<br /><br />• The Civic Ice Arena has been busy with annual maintenance and projects. The Women’s coaches’ room move has been completed and the Men’s coaches’ room is under remodel. The old ceiling in the studio rink has been removed and replaced. The west cooling tower has been removed and the new tower was installed and operational. <br /><br />Economic and Community Development<br />• Tom Thielman met with a prospective new restaurateur interested in opening a “fast-food” Indian-style restaurant in the Great Lakes Mall food court. The Mentor Small Business Loan fund was discussed and may be a possible source for some of the funding.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />• MEACO is currently reviewing two new applications for the Mentor Small Business Loan program and a new SBA 504 loan application for a chain restaurant in Ashtabula.&nbsp; MEACO is authorized by the U.S. Small Business Administration to provide financing throughout the State of Ohio. Each loan that is approved and funded is added to MEACO’s loan portfolio, which then generates both upfront and annual fees.<br /><br />• The City of Mentor, in cooperation with the Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce and JumpStart Inc., will be co-sponsoring Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business “orientation” meeting at the Mentor Holiday Inn, 7701 Reynolds Road from 7:30 – 9 a.m., June 13. This free mini MBA program is targeted to small businesses of three or more employees and sales of at least $150,000.<br /><br />Personnel<br />• On May 30, Fire Lieutenant Scott Parcell retired after 28 years of dedicated service to the Fire Department. We wish Scott well in his retirement.<br /><br />• The Promotional Board, as specified in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, took place on May 29. Effective June 3, 2013, Fire Lieutenant Ron Zak will be promoted to the Battalion Chief and Firefighter/Paramedics Tony Higginbotham and Bill Malovrh will be promoted to Fire Lieutenant. The swearing-in ceremony will be on June 4 at 8 a.m. in Council Chambers.<br /><br />Public Works Department<br />• Prepping base for curbing at Marina<br />• Exposed utilities at Lagoons with Vacall<br />• Storm sewer repair – 7538 Murray<br />• All swimming pools prepped and being filled<br />• Inlet basin rebuilds (3) – Sugarbush<br />• Sign upgrades – ongoing<br />• Pool restroom upgrades at EBG<br />• Vandalism repair at Mentor Beach Park<br />• Crack sealing – Headlands Rd.<br />• Coordinated/installed generator at FS #1<br />• Approx. 15 property maintenance cleanups<br /><br />-- Betsy Scott, BScott@News-Herald.com, @ReporterBetsyhttp://behindthenews-herald.blogspot.com/2013/06/3-charged-in-mentor-park-vandalism.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (News-Herald Blogs)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135947605143622575.post-6873633675090418225Wed, 29 May 2013 15:35:00 +00002013-05-29T11:35:05.917-04:00Construction updates, sales events & golf course news in Mentor reportThe latest on several Mentor construction projects, some big outdoor sales events and break-ins Black Brook Golf Course all are part of the department head reports in the latest weekly city manager memo to City Council:<br /><br />Engineering<br />• Karvo Paving is proceeding with the work on the Station Street Resurfacing Project. Traffic loops are being installed this week at Station and Center Streets. Guardrail repairs are also scheduled to be completed. The asphalt surface course is scheduled to be done next week. The scheduled completion date for this project is June 14.<br /><br />• SR 2 Widening and Reconstruction — ODOT is currently performing night paving operations on SR 2. It is anticipated that paving operations will be complete in June. Final striping of Center Street is complete. Traffic seems to be reacting much better to the improved markings. ODOT has received a design for the corrections near Classic Chevy and has provided them to the contractor for a price quote. Further updates will be provided once a schedule has been determined for this work.<br /><br />• The Heisley Road Bridge project will be implementing Stage II traffic control&nbsp; May 29, weather permitting. During Stage II, traffic across the bridge will remain northbound only. The northbound traffic will be shifted onto the newly placed bridge deck utilizing crossovers to the southbound side of the roadway. This traffic shift will be between the exit and entrance ramps only and all traffic will be back to its original location past these ramps. The southbound traffic detour will remain unchanged (SR 2 west to SR 615 to SR 2 east). Periodic off-peak lane closures will continue on SR 2 under the Heisley Road Bridge.<br /><br />• 2013 Road Repair Program — All concrete repairs have been completed. The contractor will be scheduling joint sealing and restoration operations in the near future. All asphalt streets have been paved, with the exception of the Market Street/Munson Road area. Work in this area is anticipated to be completed next week. The contractor will then schedule work to complete restoration and any punch list items.<br /><br />• Hoose Road/Kings Hollow/King Memorial Resurfacing and Drainage Improvement — This project is expected to be advertised for bid on May 31 and June 7 with a bid opening of June 14. We expect to be able to present this project to council for their consideration at the July 2 meeting. The project consists of an asphalt overlay on Hoose Road to the eastern city limits. Additional asphalt will be placed on King Memorial from Bringman Court to Hoose Road and will also include Kings Hollow Court. This project will include the replacement of a deteriorated culvert on the east end of Hoose Road. <br /><br />• SR 306 Concrete Repairs — This project is anticipated to be advertised for bid on May 31 and June 7 with a bid opening of June 14. We expect to be able to present this project to council for their consideration at the July 2 meeting. The project will provide for full depth concrete joint repairs on SR 306 from Bellflower Road to SR 2.&nbsp; <br /><br />• Environmental clearance has been received for the Heisley Road Phase 3 project and the city has received a copy of the LPA agreement from ODOT. Engineering will be submitting legislation, which will authorize the city to enter into the LPA agreement and a real estate agreement for right of way purchase. This will allow the city to proceed with appraisals and begin the right of way acquisition process for the project. Currently, project sale is still scheduled for late summer of 2014.<br /><br />• The city held a pre-construction meeting with Davis Diggers on May 16 for the Beechwood Drive Storm Sewer Improvement project. The contractor plans to begin work at the end of June and anticipates the work period to be one month. Preliminary work by Dominion East Ohio to relocate several gas service lines and a portion of the gas main that would have been in conflict with the storm sewer work has been completed. <br /><br />• 2012 Sidewalk Repair Program — The city’s sidewalk contractor for 2012, T.C. Construction, has completed sidewalk repairs in Zone 2B. Estimated assessments for property owners are being prepared and will be presented to council shortly. <br /><br />• 2013 Sidewalk Repair Program — The city has completed the sidewalk inspections for Zone 3B for 2013. A list of properties detailing where sidewalk improvements need to be made is being prepared and will be presented to council for a Resolution of Necessity of the proposed work.<br /><br />Fire Department<br />• On May 16 at 3:16 p.m., Fire Station #4 responded to auto aid to Willoughby for at fire at Bondi’s Beverage and Deli on Lake Shore Boulevard. The fire appears to have started in an exterior wall and caused nearly $40,000 in damage. There were no reported injuries.<br /><br />• On May 18 at 9:50 p.m., Mentor Fire Department responded to a massive industrial fire in Willoughby at 3911 Ben Hur Ave. The building was vacant with overwhelming fire, which required a 3rd alarm MABAS response to bring the fire under control. There were no reported injuries and the official cause of the fire has not yet been released.<br /><br />• On May 18 at 9:54 p.m., Fire Stations #4, #5 and #3 responded to a head on MVA on Reynolds Road and Ford Drive. There were three patients treated and transported. One of the patients was extricated from his vehicle and was transported to Metro Health Trauma Center via Life Flight. Three days later, the patient came in to Fire Administration to meet his rescuers and thank them. <br /><br />• On May 20 at 6:46 p.m., Fire Station #2 assisted a person driving past the station when they discovered his car smoking from an electrical problem. The electrical wiring had shorted out and burned. The wiring was extinguished by the department. There were no injuries.<br /><br />• On May 21 at 10:10 p.m., Paramedics responded to a possible overdose. The patient was treated and transported to Tri Point Medical Center.<br /><br />Police Department<br />• A male driver caused a five-vehicle accident on Lakeshore Boulevard near Mentor Family Foods. The male struck the rear of one of the vehicles, which caused a domino effect of vehicles striking into each other. The male driver displayed signs he had been drinking and was eventually arrested. His blood alcohol content (BAC) registered over four times the legal limit.<br /><br />Parks and Recreation Department<br />• In light of several break-ins at Black Brook Golf Course, we have begun a process to increase video surveillance of the parking lot.&nbsp; Over the next couple weeks, we hope to have a plan and pricing to move forward with a program to better protect our patrons.<br /><br />• The “Just Kids Stuff Garage Sale” is 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, May 30, at Garfield Park. This annual event is always a sell out, so come early.<br /><br />• The first “Farmers’ Market &amp; Final Friday” will kick off the season on Friday, May 31 from 3 to 7 p.m. at its NEW LOCATION in the Civic Center parking lot.<br /><br />• Leaking water lines were repaired in the Old Council Hall last week.&nbsp; Lines located behind the walls in the kitchen were leaking from two separate occasions and appeared to have been leaking for some time.&nbsp; The leaks were detected by the facility attendant; we are currently getting estimates to repair the walls and floors.<br /><br />Manager Comments<br />• Congratulations to Police Chief Kevin Knight on being named “Man of the Year” for 2012-2013 by St. Mary’s of the Assumption Men’s Club/Holy Name Society, which is the Chartering Organization for both Cub Scout Pack 75 and Boy Scout Troop 75. The organization primarily does fundraising to support and off-set the costs of all the CYO athletic teams at St. Mary’s School, which includes football, basketball, volleyball, track and cheerleading. The organization also takes part in several spiritual activities throughout the year. This award is voted on by the executive board and prior award winners.<br /><br />• Under a proposed rebate plan offered by the Governor, if approved by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, eligible local governments would receive approximately 56 percent of their 2011 insurance premium. The proposal also includes a 4 percent rate reduction. The City’s estimated rebate is $175,280. If rebates are approved on May 30 by the BWC Board of Directors, checks could be mailed as early as June or July.<br /><br />• Council President Marn, Councilman Landeg, Councilman Krueger, Tony Zampedro and I joined other Lake County officials in attending Congressman Joyce’s legislative conference last week. Among the interesting topics presented, we were able to speak with Congressman Joyce and his staff in detail about issues important to the community including restoration efforts at the Mentor Marsh, the Take Pride in America event, retention of the tax-exempt status for municipal bonds, support of the Community Access Preservation Act (cable TV), and continued support of the elimination of the medical device tax. We also had a meeting with representatives of the FAA to discuss the sponsorship application for Lost Nation and to offer some alternative options for future federal involvement at the airport. County Commissioner Moran joined us for the meeting. <br /><br />• Council President Marn, Councilman Krueger, Ron Traub and I were joined by Kevin Malecek, CEO, Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce at the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) conference. New this year was the Mentor booth which featured an aerial photo of Mentor Avenue with the logo or seal of national retailers doing business within our community. The City received many interested visitors and handed out business card type flash drives which contained a welcome video and a wealth of retail market information. We also gave away packets of coffee that had been contracted for by MEACO for the City’s 50th Anniversary. <br /><br />In addition to “manning” the booth we had a number of appointments with brokers, developers and property owners. Finally, we circulated the convention floor making contact with desired retailers and restaurants. I would view the trip as very successful and we will be following up with contacts that seemed most promising. We were well received by many who thought our innovative approach to the conference and the decision team we brought together served us well. A copy of the flash drive card distributed at the conference has been placed in each Council member’s office mailbox.<br /><br />• The unemployment rate for the City of Mentor decreased 0.3% from 6.1% to 5.8% in April 2013. One year ago (April 2012) the unemployment rate was 5.6%.&nbsp; In Lake County the unemployment rate decreased 0.6% to 6.2%. The City of Mentor’s unemployment rate ranked fourth-lowest among communities with a population over 50,000, and among the top one-third (of the 65 for which percentages are calculated). Ohio’s unemployment rate decreased 0.6% for the month of April 2013 to 6.7%.<br /><br />Economic and Community Development<br />• Tom Thielman participated in his monthly radio show on WELW – 1330 as part of their Small Business Afternoon Talk Radio. Topics of discussion included the SBA 504 loan program and the City of Mentor’s Small Business Revolving Loan. <br /><br />• Tom Thielman attended the Lake County Development Council monthly luncheon featuring Christopher Galloway, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Concord Township, who provided an update on the Capital Parkway Extension Project (aka Auburn-Crile Corridor Project) and the Concord/Painesville Joint Economic Development District.<br /><br />Public Works Department<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Assisted cemetery with Memorial Day preparation<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Baseball field work for GLBL Memorial Day tournament<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Installed overflow at Garfield Park pond<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Installed conduit to entrance island at Marina<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Installed upgraded debris cage - Seneca Trail<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Storm sewer cleaning - Ohio St. area<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Completed drainage improvement on South Shandle<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Completed installation of chair lifts at Morton and Garfield pools<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Inlet basin rebuilds (3) - Sugarbush<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Crack sealing - Rosebud, Tyler, Harbor, Warrendale<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hot mix - Citywide<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performed 24 property maintenance abatements - 52 year-to-date<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Coordinated replacement of generator at Fire Station #1<br /><br />-- Betsy Scott, BScott@News-Herald.com, @ReporterBetsyhttp://behindthenews-herald.blogspot.com/2013/05/construction-updates-sales-events-golf.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (News-Herald Blogs)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135947605143622575.post-7218731883916018476Mon, 20 May 2013 18:43:00 +00002013-05-20T14:43:00.275-04:00Mentor PD sheds light on failure-to-get-help caseA Mentor police report provides more insight into the death of a woman after her “friend” failed to call for help. That and more in the latest weekly city manager memo to City Council:<br /><br />Police Department<br />• A male was arrested after he failed to provide aid to a female friend who overdosed on drugs and died. The male was charged with tampering with evidence and obstructing official business. For more details, see: http://bit.ly/11yy3DM<br /><br />• A female suspect was positively identified after a surveillance photo of her was posted on Facebook. The female was captured on video stealing a wallet at Mentor Family Foods. She was charged with one count of theft. <br /><br />• A new community policing App was launched this week, iWatchNEOhio. This free App allows citizens to report suspicious or criminal activity via text, e-mail or voice, to include photos or video. Mentor is one of 16 law enforcement agencies from Northeast Ohio participating in this program, which is administered by the North East Ohio Regional Fusion Center.<br /><br />Fire Department<br />• The Fire Department responded to four overdoses where the patients were treated and transported to Lake Health West.<br /><br />• The Fire Department responded to three incidences for choking victims:<br /><br />- On May 10 at 12:26 p.m., Paramedics responded to a male choking on a chicken bone. Patient was treated and transported to Lake Health West where he coughed up the bone.<br /><br />- On May 12 at 5:36 p.m., Paramedics responded to a residence for a choking victim. Upon arrival it was discovered that a family member had performed the Heimlich Maneuver on her, which cleared her airway. The patient signed a release and was not transported.<br /><br />- On May 12 at 7:03 p.m., Paramedics responded to a restaurant for a choking victim. Upon arrival it was discovered that one of the restaurant employees assisted the woman.&nbsp; Paramedics treated her and removed remaining food. The patient signed a release and was not transported.<br /><br />• On May 12 at 4:08 p.m., Station #4 responded to a MVA involving two vehicles on Route 306. Upon arrival, there were two patients who were treated and transported to Lake Health West. Three other people refused treatment and signed releases.<br /><br />• On May 13 at 12:03 p.m., Paramedics responded to a school where a student was unresponsive in the lunch room. Patient was treated and transported to Lake Health West.<br /><br />• On May 13 at 3:05 p.m., Station #3 responded to a MABAS Alarm request in Willoughby Hills for a structure fire at the Willoughby Hills Towers.&nbsp; <br /><br />• On May 13 at 7:18 p.m., Station #4 responded to Bellflower Park, where a small dog was found in a sewer pipe. The dog was eventually chased out of the pipe by floating a soccer ball upstream through a manhole. The dog was secured until the Humane Society rescue van arrived to take possession of the dog. There were no injuries. <br /><br />• On May 14 at 6:18 p.m., Station #3 responded to a truck on fire on Norton Parkway. Upon arrival there was a fully involved truck fire. Owners stated the vehicle was unoccupied. The Fire Department extinguished the fire. The truck was a total loss; there were no reported injuries.<br /><br />• On May 14 at 3:19 p.m., Mentor Fire Stations #4 and #5 responded to a structure fire.&nbsp; Upon arrival it was discovered that a bag of leaves by the house was on fire. The fire was extinguished and the house was checked.<br /><br />• On May 15 at 3:46 p.m., Paramedics responded to a person with a broken ankle. The person had been jogging on the Mentor Headlands Marsh jogging trail and broke his ankle approximately one-half mile into the woods. Paramedics responded and located him on a narrow trail. The patient was carried to a waiting ATV from Station #4, which transported him to the squad. He was treated and transported to Tri-Point Medical Center.<br /><br />Manager Comments<br />• We received the first of two payments from the 2013 Lake County Community Residential Recycling Grant. The total amount of the grant is $84,619.<br /><br />Engineering<br />• The restriping of Center Street was completed this week. Final pavement markings are much clearer and easier to follow. Work was done in the overnight hours. We have not yet received the schedule for the restriping of Heisley Road.<br /><br />• Dominion East Ohio Gas Open Cut Repairs — On May 20, Dominion East Ohio Gas is planning to begin final repairs of two open cuts on Mentor Avenue at Middlesex Road.&nbsp; These repairs are expected to take between two to four days to complete. An off-duty Mentor Police Officer will assist with traffic control during the work hours (9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.).<br /><br />• On May 16, Dave Swiger and Bob Kovac met with County Engineer, Jim Gills and members of his bridge maintenance division to review the condition of County maintained bridges throughout the City. The County Engineer maintains 11 bridges in the City. Mr. Gills indicated that they recently made repairs to the Hoose Road Bridge, just north of the Hoose Road Dam. <br /><br />Also, the County is planning to replace the Hopkins Road Bridge over Marsh Creek, north of Hendricks Road in 2018. They are also planning to seal the concrete deck of the Hendricks Road Bridge over Marsh Creek just west of Hopkins Road. They will also be sharing GIS mapping data for us to incorporate onto our system.<br /><br />Parks and Recreation Department<br />• Many upgrades will be made to the pools before the season starts; they include installing ADA lifts at Morton and Garfield, new large umbrella and new lane lines at Civic Center and new showers at Garfield. The Public Works crew has done an excellent job on the showers. The new safety surface has already been installed in the wading pool at Civic center.<br /><br />• Safe Routes to School Coordinator Maggie Kuyasa lead a National Bike to School event at Orchard Hollow School May 15 with over 120 bikers.<br /><br />• The Memorial Day Ceremony is Monday. The parade steps off at 9:30 a.m. from Heinen’s parking lot and the program begins at 10 a.m.<br /><br />• The installation of the new cooling tower for the Civic Ice Arena started this week.<br /><br />Public Works Department<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Installed storm water overflow at Garfield Park pond<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Storm sewer cleaning - Warrendale, Hayes, McKinley, Harding<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Storm sewer televising - Edgehill, Evergreen<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Storm sewer repair - Warrendale, Jordan<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Asphalt road repair - Rosebud<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Completed rebuild of 7 inlet basins - Sugarbush<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Roadway signage retro-reflectivity upgrades - ongoing<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pickleball courts are now open<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Installed flags on utility poles<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Crack sealing - various<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hot mix patching - various<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reviewing drainage concerns at fire stations<br /><br />-- Betsy Scott, BScott@News-Herald.com, @ReporterBetsyhttp://behindthenews-herald.blogspot.com/2013/05/mentor-pd-sheds-light-on-failure-to-get.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (News-Herald Blogs)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135947605143622575.post-7664639749132330440Mon, 13 May 2013 16:58:00 +00002013-05-13T12:58:53.185-04:00Mentor FD went on one of its wackier calls last weekMentor actually got a refund from its insurance company; the city is seeking funding assistance on behalf of Red, Wine &amp; Brew for a $1.95 million building project; and things are heating up for the police, fire and recreation departments. Those items and more in the city manager’s latest report to City Council:<br /><br /><br /><b>Fire Department</b><br />&nbsp;• On May 9 at 6 p.m., paramedics responded to a 28-year-old choking patient who had a metal part of a game controller lodged in her throat. Patient was treated and transported to Lake West Health. (Fire Chief Richard Harvey said there was little more information he knew/could share about the incident.)<br /><br />• On May 4 at 12:52 p.m., paramedics were called for person who was hit by a golf ball at a driving range. Upon arrival, it was discovered the person was accidentally hit by a swinging golf club. Patient was treated and transported to Tri-Point Medical Center.<br /><br />• On May 5 at 7:04 p.m., Fire Station #1 responded to Longview Avenue for a reported gas can fire. Upon arrival, it was discovered that an excessive amount of trash was being burned in a fire pit when a gas can tipped over and caught fire. The fire was within 10 feet of the home and caused heat damage to the wood deck, as well as the siding of the home.&nbsp; <br /><br />• On May 5 at 7:59 p.m., Fire Stations 3 and 1 responded to a semi truck with a fire coming from it. Upon arrival, rear tires of the truck were on fire. The trailer was detached prior to FD arrival and was in no danger. The exit ramp from westbound Rt. 90 to Rt. 306 was closed for about 15 minutes while the fire was extinguished. There were no injuries.<br /><br />• On May 6, the Children’s Fire Safety House opened for the third-graders’ annual visit.&nbsp; The sessions will continue through May 17 and will have demonstrated fire safety, water safety, kitchen safety, litter control, the Mentor Historical Museum and a session about bullying from Crossroads. About 900 children from Mentor public and private schools, as well as St. Gabriel’s will have participated.<br /><br />• On May 7 at 6:14 a.m., Mentor Fire responded to a business where a male fell 10 to 14 feet onto concrete flooring sustaining a head injury. He was treated and transported to Hillcrest Hospital Level II Trauma Center.<br /><br />• On May 7 at 2:40 p.m., Paramedics responded to a car vs. pole. Upon arrival, the patient was being attended to by bystanders. The patient was treated and transported to Hillcrest Hospital Level II Trauma Center.<br /><br />• On May 8 at 9:11 p.m., Paramedics responded to a possible overdose. Upon arrival, there was an unconscious male in his parked car who had been discovered by a friend. He was treated and transported to Lake West. He was awake by arrival.<br /><br />• Mentor Firefighter Paramedics Richard Campola and Christian Lim received Andy Nowacki Foundation Hero Awards on May 5. These awards were received for their actions in rescuing an 18-month and a 3-year-old trapped in rubble and beneath a car that crashed into a house at the end of Iroquois Road.<br /><br /><b>Police Department</b><br />• A male was arrested for drug trafficking and carrying a concealed weapon. The male was stopped for a traffic violation on SR2. The officer called for K-9 Bo to conduct a drug sniff of the vehicle.&nbsp; Bo alerted to the presence of narcotics. Officers searched the vehicle and located a half kilo of heroin, three-quarter kilo of Cocaine, a loaded handgun and over $100,000 in cash. <br /><br />• The department’s new video forensic computer was delivered this week from Ocean Systems Inc. The computer is used to analyze and enhance surveillance video. The cost of the computer was covered with a grant.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />• Patrolman Kupchik is participating in the Police Unity Tour, a 325 mile bicycle ride from New Jersey to Washington D.C. The purpose of the ride is to raise awareness of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty and to raise financial support for the national Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. <br /><br />• National Police Memorial week is May 12th to May 18. All Mentor officers will wear black mourning bands during the week to recognize law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.<br /><b>Manager Comments</b><br />• On May 5 at 9:43 a.m., Fire Stations 1, 3 and 5 responded to the Mentor Trailer Park for a trailer fire with people trapped. Stations 2 and 4 were added. Upon arrival, fire was coming from the skylight, door and large middle windows with heavy smoke coming from remaining windows. Police officers reported that one occupant was confirmed to still be trapped inside. The male, with minor burns and smoke inhalation, (and a neighbor) had broken the windows in an attempt to remove the smoke and heat. He was attempting to fight the fire with a garden hose. <br /><br />A fire attack and search was made locating the second occupant unconscious in the back bedroom. She was removed from the structure and enroute to Lake West Health within 9 minutes of arrival of the first fire unit. The male (less serious injuries) was treated at the scene and transported to Lake West Health. Both were flown by Life Flight to Metro Health Medical Center. The male has been released and the female is improving. <br /><br />The cause of this fire is still under investigation. The trailer was a total loss but was insured.&nbsp; Mentor Avenue was closed for about one hour. Concord, Grand River, Mentor-on-the-Lake, Painesville and Willoughby provided assistance with other calls or station fills.<br /><br />• The Mentor Economic Assistance Corporation has submitted for approval to the U.S. Small Business Administration a 504 loan package for Red, Wine &amp; Brew. The total project cost is $1.95 million with MEACO providing $667K in financing towards the construction of a 16,000-square-foot retail building at 9620 Old Johnnycake Road.<br /><br />• Last year, the administration negotiated a unique aspect into our health insurance premium agreement with Medical Mutual. We were the first of their public sector clients to negotiate a “performance-based” clause that rewarded the city for outperforming the expected claims-to-premium ratio, which is the primary basis for determining premium cost. I am pleased to report we learned this week that approximately $170,000 will be returned to the city from our 2012 premium payments.<br /><br /><b>Engineering</b><br />• As of May 10, the following streets from the 2013 Road Repair Program have been completed: <br /><br />* Asphalt — Clearair Drive, Magnolia Drive, Lotus Lane, Wedgewood Drive, Barton Drive, Victoria Drive, Kephart Drive and Hart Street <br /><br />* Concrete — Quail Point Lane, Galaxie Drive, Silver Court, Birchwood Drive, Findley Drive, Pilgrim Drive, Wilderness Drive Frontier Drive, Troy Court, Preston Hill Court, Hackberry Drive and Alder Court<br /><br />Restoration operations on these streets will be completed in the near future.&nbsp; All remaining streets in the Road Repair Program are anticipated to be complete by the end of May.<br /><br />• Shown below is a summary of Building Division activity comparing March, 2013 with April, 2013:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Prior Month&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Month of<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;March 2013&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; April 2013<br />New Permits Issued&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 188&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 365&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; Valued at&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $4,578,745.17&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $6,874,695.00<br /><br />Building Permit Inspections&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 748&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 757<br />New Plan Review Cases&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 58&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 100<br />Engr/Bldg Permit Plan Reviews&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 197&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 311<br />New Contractor Registrations&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 67&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 90<br /><br />• Progress on some of the notable projects currently happening in the city includes:<br />*&nbsp; Masonry walls being erected at the Achievement Office buildings at Center Street and Bellflower Road<br />* Site work and fire suppression is ready to start at Burger Fi on Mentor Avenue<br />* A building permit has been issued for a new building for Red, Wine &amp; Brew on Old Johnnycake Ridge Road<br />* Classic Hyundai has begun the facade improvements for their new space.<br /><br /><b>Parks and Recreation Department</b><br />• Several important park improvements are recently completed just in time for the busy season. The six planned Pickleball Courts at the Civic Center are complete, with all paint and fencing finished this week. We are thankful to all the volunteers who gave their time and enthusiasm. <br /><br />The walking path at Edward Walsh Park was paved this week and the permanent entry sign was also recently installed. The administration intends to allocate funding each year for the improvement and upkeep of our multipurpose recreation paths throughout the city. Finally, the additional parking area at Garfield Park was completed.<br /><br />• The Recreation Department has added a Black Brook Golf Course Facebook page and will soon be adding a Mentor Lagoons Marina Facebook page.<br /><br />• The Golf Channel has been airing Black Brook Golf Course commercials this month promoting the new Practice Center.<br /><br />• Reminder that pool passes are on sale at the Recreation Department on Monday, Wednesday &amp; Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 pm. and on Tuesday and Thursday from&nbsp; a.m. to 6 p.m.&nbsp; Please remember to bring proof of residence.<br /><br />• The Recreation Department is still interviewing for open positions for lifeguards at area pools; all Day Camp staff has been hired and staff training takes place next week.<br /><br />• The installation of the new cooling tower for the Civic Ice Arena will begin the week of May 13. The Civic Center Staff is taking advantage of the shutdown and getting a lot of needed work completed. We have been painting the exterior stucco this week.<br /><br />• The Wildwood Garden Club Plant Sale will be Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a great selection of hardy plants and flowers at very reasonable prices.<br /><br />• The Wildwood Garden Club was busy this week spreading mulch in the planter beds and cleaning up the planters for spring. We appreciate all the work this group does to keep the grounds at Wildwood looking so good!<br /><br />• The Mentor Lagoons Park Marina has been a busy place with 50% of the boats launched. There are 38 dock holders who still owe the remainder of their dock fees for the upcoming season. The final deadline for payment is May 18.<br /><br /><b>Economic and Community Development</b><br />• Ron Traub and Tom Thielman met with the prospective purchaser of a historic building in the Old Village; financing and other possible issues were discussed. <br /><br />• The 2013 Lake County Business Symposium will be held at Lakeland Community College on Wednesday, May 15, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Experts from finance, marketing, technology and operations will conduct workshops on various topics which are on the minds of small business owners and entrepreneurs. MEACO is sponsor of this event and providing technical support.<br /><br /><b>Finance</b><br />• The City received $206,000 from Time Warner and AT&amp;T for video service franchise fees for the first quarter of calendar year 2013. Annual revenues from this source are estimated at $798,000.<br /><br />• The State House Ways and Means Committee heard testimony in favor of and in opposition to House Bill 5 on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. HB5 is the municipal income tax reform bill that would impact local control and revenues if passed as written in its current version.<br /><br /><b>Public Works Department</b><br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Top soiling community garden plots<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Morton pool ADA chairlift installation<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Preparing ball fields for opening day<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Prepping Garfield Park pool for painting<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Storm sewer cleaning - Grant, Harding, Hayes, Truman<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Assist with grass cutting and weed whipping at Cemetery<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Began rebuild of 7 inlet basins - Sugarbush and Red Oak<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Painted parking lot stripes at MPD/Court and Garfield Park<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Installed signage at Iroquois and Commanche<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Crack seaking - Rushton area<br />•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Regrading Krueger Park spoils area<br /><br />-- Betsy Scott, BScott@News-Herald.com, @ReporterBetsyhttp://behindthenews-herald.blogspot.com/2013/05/mentor-fd-went-on-one-of-its-wackier.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (News-Herald Blogs)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135947605143622575.post-5223070680041214270Wed, 01 May 2013 16:26:00 +00002013-05-01T12:36:37.745-04:00Mentor talks trash hauler out of extra feesMentor city officials get tough with Waste Management, hope to dress up a (quite frankly ugly) gateway to the city and get some good news about the new beach festival. Those items and more in the latest weekly manager memo to City Council:<br /><br />Manager Comments<br />• Council will recall that a couple of weeks ago a resident brought to our attention the fact that Waste Management began the practice of charging residents a $35 “service resumption” fee for late accounts. We quickly contacted our account representatives and informed them that the city’s position was that the fee violates our current contract, which obligates WM to serve all single-family homes at the contracted rates for all current accounts.<br /><br />They acknowledge the error and we have since learned about $60,000 in these fees were collectively charged to Mentor residents. Mentor residents affected will have the full amount credited to their third-quarter bill, which was processed this week. In addition, WM will mail letters around June 1 to the same residents explaining the error. We have requested a complete list of all Mentor households charged so we may have a record to reference going forward.<br /><br />• We are currently considering alternatives to better illuminate and beautify the road median on Route 306 as you are approaching Rt. 84 from the south. This could include curbing and expanding the median and adding decorative lighting similar in style to that near the 615/90 interchange. We are considering this now in light of the resurfacing of this section of 306 later this year.<br /><br />• The City of Mentor has received a Grant award in the amount of $7,000 from the Lake County Visitor’s Bureau Arts and Culture Fund for the “Headlands Beachfest,” which takes place this summer on July 27. A great job by Kathie Pohl and Abe Bruckman.<br /><br />• The unemployment rate for the City of Mentor decreased 0.8%, from 6.8% to 6.0%, in March 2013. That is the same as the rate a year ago in the same month. In Lake County, the unemployment rate decreased 0.9% to 6.8%. The City of Mentor’s unemployment rate ranked third-lowest among communities with a population over 50,000, behind Cleveland Heights and Lakewood, and among the top third of the 65 for which percentages are calculated. Ohio’s unemployment rate decreased 0.5% to 7.3%.<br /><br />Fire Department<br />• On April 19, Paramedics responded to a possible overdose. Upon arrival, the patient was treated and transported to Lake West Health.<br /><br />• On April 20 at 5:59 p.m., Mentor Fire responded to an open burning complaint. Upon arrival, a family of four was found cooking hotdogs around an approved fire pit. The homeowner was advised to extinguish the fire when finished. At 6:41 p.m., Mentor Fire responded to another complaint at this home. <br /><br />Upon arrival there was excessive white smoke coming from the fire pit. The homeowner had dumped leaves in the fire which created the white smoke. Homeowner was told to extinguish the fire at once and was advised of the City’s Ordinance on open burning. <br /><br />• On April 21 at 2:50 p.m., Fire Stations 3, 1 and 5 responded to an odor of something burning at the Great Lakes Mall. Upon arrival, it was discovered that a belt inside of an arcade game had overheated. The machine was taken outside and they were advised to have an electrician inspect the outlet. <br /><br />• On April 22 at 9:03 a.m., Mentor Fire responded to a sprinkler head activated in a Mentor business. Upon arrival, we discovered that the water supply line in the bathroom had ruptured and it was not a fire suppression system problem. We assisted in clean up and advised business owner that they would need to contact their maintenance department for repair.<br /><br />• Spring fire hydrant testing will continue throughout the City until mid-May.<br /><br />Police Department<br />• The homeowner at 7144 Maple St. reported a burglary had occurred sometime on April 21. The homeowner said he suspected that some friends of his daughter were involved. An officer responded to the suspect’s house and spoke to an adult and two juvenile suspects. The officer observed some of the stolen property in plain view. All of the stolen items were recovered in the house. The adult and one juvenile were arrested and charged with the burglary.<br /><br />• Capt. Gunsch and Lt. Allen attended a two-day active shooter executive law enforcement conference sponsored by the F.B.I. Topics included pre-event attack behaviors and indicators, managing the media in complex incidents, counseling of victims and first-responders, evidence processing of active shooter/mass casualty scenes. The training also included a discussion by the Chardon Police Department regarding the 2012 Chardon High School shooting. <br /><br />Engineering<br />• 2013 Road Repair Program — Concrete repairs have begun on Quail Point, Galaxie and Silver Court. The first concrete pour on Quail Point took place April 23. Concrete removal and replacement operations will continue as weather permits. Asphalt milling operations were expected to begin Tuesday on Robinwood Drive. Further updates will be provided as the projects progress.<br /><br />• With regards to the 2012 Sidewalk Repair Program, TC Construction has been replacing sidewalks on Maple Street and will be progressing to Nowlen Street in the next week.<br /><br />Parks and Recreation Department<br />• This is the last weekend for Open Skating at the Civic Ice Arena. The Arena will close for maintenance on Monday and will reopen for summer June 10.<br /><br />• Black Brook Golf Course will be installing a Thorguard Lightning Protection System on the course. The system will provide an audible sound to alert golfers of potential lightning.<br /><br />• May 15 will be our “National Bike to School Day” at Orchard Hollow School, which is being sponsored by the Safe Routes to School Program. Recreation Specialist Maggie Kuyasa, who supervises the program, said that the children will meet at 8:15 a.m. at Pinegate Pool and ride as a group to school.<br /><br />• The Safe Routes to School Program will also be sponsoring the “Base Runners Club” starting May 3 at Orchard Hollow School. Children can join the club and track their steps and turn them into laps around a Major League Baseball Diamond! Maggie Kuyasa said, “All children who join the club will get to keep the pedometer that Safe Routes to School supplies and have a chance to win two tickets to an Indians Baseball game!”<br /><br />• The new surface has been installed in the wading pool at Civic Center pool.<br /><br />• Letters have been mailed to local Veterans groups inviting them to the Memorial Day service on May 27. <br /><br />Economic and Community Development<br />• Ken Filipiak, Ron Traub, and Tom Thielman attended a Coffee & Conversation with Congressman David Joyce sponsored by the Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce.<br /><br />• Staff met with an attorney who specializes in façade easements and historic preservation tax credits regarding repurposing of a historic building. <br /><br />• Representatives of several departments met with a Mentor manufacturer regarding a prospective building addition. <br /><br />Finance<br />• On April 24,the Finance Director attended the public hearings on house Bill 5 held at the State House in Columbus for members of the House Ways and Means Committee. Testimony was provided to the committee by several representatives of various Ohio businesses and by Mr. Tom Zaino spokesperson for the Municipal Tax Reform Coalition, a group of 28 state and local trade and professional associations and state and regional Chambers of Commerce.<br /><br />A significant amount of time was allotted to Mr. Zaino. Several questions were directed to the coalition by House representatives: Does the coalition know the dollar impact of H.B. 5 to municipalities? Are there any municipalities that are in favor of the current bill? The lack of clear responses to these direct questions leads one to conclude that the current bill will likely require further compromises and modifications. <br /><br />The coalition was tasked by one representative to “reach out” to Mayors, Managers, Finance Directors, etc. of the more than 600 municipalities imposing a local tax to come up with an acceptable bill. The other proponent testimony came almost exclusively from “service” types of businesses, such as commercial clearing services, heating and cooling, plumbing, and general contracting. The nature of these types of businesses requires their employees to work in several different localities. <br /><br />The number of returns processed and the excessive cost of compliance was the recurring theme of testimony provided by business owners. The current bill would likely not solve the business owners concerns, unless the bill ultimately led to the elimination of the tax liability itself. Further hearings, including testimony in opposition of H.B. 5 are planned for next week.<br /><br />Public Works Department<br />• Repairing sod damage - Citywide<br />• Jetted storm sewer - Civic Center ball fields<br />• Plumbing improvements at MMF to improve vehicle washing facility<br />• Replaced 12 sections of stockade fence at Center Street Ballfield Park<br />• Installed pickle ball posts<br />• Painted kitchen and restrooms at Mentor Beach Park<br />• Inlet basin rebuilds - Market and Munson - in preparation for resurfacing<br />• Crack sealing - Tyler Blvd.<br />• Expansion of Garfield Park parking lot<br /><br />-- Betsy Scott, BScott@News-Herald.com, @ReporterBetsy<br />http://behindthenews-herald.blogspot.com/2013/05/mentor-talks-trash-hauler-out-of-extra.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (News-Herald Blogs)0